Rush to Beat the Gale

10 miles off Dunedin

Thursday 20 February 2020

A short time after John came aboard yesterday afternoon, we were away to sea again.  But not before waving to wife Maryke and daughter Felicity, who made an “immigrant farewell” scene, waving handkerchiefs and iPhones from the end of the Akaroa pier, as we did a drive-by at close range.

Earlier in the day I’d emailed John an extensive shopping list, containing everything from vegemite, bananas and beer, to milk, washing powder and onions.  Ably assisted by Maryke and Felicity, john had done a sterling job assembling it all in about 6 large boxes, which took two loads in the dinghy to bring aboard from the nearby boat ramp.

After an extremely calm morning, where we’d seen off fellow-voyagers Dean, Sandy and Samantha, the wind had now fairly got up, with a blanket of white-caps on short waves blanketing the bay almost to the far bank.  It was still warm, and even the water in the shallows felt warm as we attempted to reduce the spray over the dinghy’s bow.   

As the figures of Marye and Felicity standing at the end of the pier faded in the distance, we set about hoisting the mainsail – best done into the wind, which is all we seem to have had in Akaroa Harbour, not matter what the forecast might say.

Clear of the headlands, internet and phone coverage promptly ceased, making my last few photos for yesterday’s blog non-starters; at least for now.  Further “online” activity, at least from directly onboard ship, would have to wait until Dunedin 150 miles to the south west. 

Not that we were planning on stopping at Dundein, unless the weather turned nasty of course, but it was in our path and a close passing of nearby Cape Saunders would most likely open up a telecommunications window through which we might be able to re-connect.

On leaving Akaroa Harbour the wind was pretty much as forecast ESE moving NE and strengthening through the night and into the next day … today, Thursday. 

The wind was light at around 10 knots, so we kept the motor ticking over in the background enabling us to maintain a sped of at lead 6 knots through the night, over what could only be described as calm seas.  So calm in fact, that at times you were unsure whether you were on a boat or not.

We each took it in turns to stand watch through the night, with several ships seen – on the chartplotter and radar – travelling from Dunedin to Lyttleton.

As always, the morning glow in the sky, then the face of the sun revealed over the east horizon, are welcomed sights.  Putting an end to the dark of the night.  Not that anything onboard changes, it’s just nice to see the sun again I suppose.

We’d done pretty well with weather forecasts up to date, but the next few days looked set to change all that with a bit of a blow expected from the south in a day or so.  This, we all agreed, is something we’d like to avoid if at all possible and so Plan A is to go as fast as we can to reach our preferred destination, Oban on Stewart Island, as quick as possible.  Plan B will be to retreat into a sheltered bay along the coast between Dunedin and Bluff and sit it out.  We haven’t quite figured out Plan C … but I’m sure something will come to mind if that becomes necessary.

For now, we are doing around 6-7 knots with the wind up our tails, mainsail out one side, the jib poled out the other.  We’ve just reefed both sails, with the wind from behind strengthening, as forecast, and still with the motor humming in support, we expect to cover the remaining 145 miles by mid-afternoon tomorrow.  We’ll download an updated weather forecast tonight, hoping all the while that we can stick with Plan A.

I had a good look in the mirror this morning.  Not something you tend to do a lot of at sea, but in reviewing a few of the photos, I started thinking … “that guy’s getting a bit prickly and hairy”  … kind of a cross between Grover and Crusty the Clown.  Rest assured, uber-home-wife … who will be joining Chimere at the end of the month along with sons Matt and James … the captain will be looking smooth, tidy and smelling of Old Spice when you step aboard in Bluff.    

On the food front … thanks to John and his home support team, we now have a full pantry again.  But at the end of a night watch … or even half way through … there’s nothing quite so lovely as a few pieces of toast lathered in butter and anything else, accompanied by a cup of black coffee. Mmmm   

Mid-morning Carsten suggested in an almost … “would you mind if I …” manner that he might make a large pot of  Chilli con Carne, using some of the new mince, plus a range of other ingredients he’d found.  John and I shared glances and proposed, in true New Zealand and English custom,  the formation of a Food Preparation Committee, whereupon we duly elected Carsten as its Chairman and Secretary, swiftly passing the resolution of the making of any dish, including the afore mentioned Chilli con Carne. 

The meeting concluded with verbal minutes and a round of applause and congratulations to all office bearers.  Thirty minutes later, this amazingly delicious tub of food – even though it contained “those canned beans” … was boiling on the stove. 

John and I got stuck into it after Carsten had gone to his bunk for a sleep and for a time I was concerned there may not be aby left for when he returned, let along tomorrow

I’ve just been informed that we now have 3-Bars on the Smart Phones, being just 15 miles off Dunedin …  time to upload      

Smooth seas, fair breeze and rush to beat the gale!

Rob Latimer