Compared to last night the overnight watches have been relatively uneventful except for a brief encounter with a couple of tankers who felt they had the right to go exactly where they pleased, so it was decided that Tenacious should take avoiding action.
Today we worked off breakfast quickly by bracing the yards, then attempted to set the little used spanker but it was too windy and anyway it was time for a smoko, where shock-horror there was no birthday cake, but delicious rock cakes requested by Bill.
Refuelled, we raced through Happy Hour then as the wind was strengthening but in the wrong direction, we took down sail and hey ho it was lunchtime.
Afternoon watch had a bright and breezy time doing 6-7 knots in 30-35 mph winds for you land lubbers or F6 going on 7. For all you sea dogs, the watch was followed by an interesting weather talk by 2nd mate Dave and now we all know our trade winds from our westerlies and oceanic weather from the local.
Must go, must not miss dinner.
later on day 6 TNS 274
This is the story of two brave watchkeepers - shall we call them Chris and Richard - and their battle with the forces of nature unleashed during the 4-8 watch. Picture the good ship Tenacious, on passage from Greece to Sicily on a dark and stormy (well, moonlit and moderately windy) night. Peacefully tucking into their watch rations (Banoffee pie left to cool on the galley doorstep by unsuspecting cook Hammie), our two brave heroes were viciously attacked by an abomination of nature - a moth (Moffus Maximus) so big that it blotted out the stars and its wingbeats thundered like a thousand drums. Sarah, the Australian exchange crewmember, said she'd seen larger, but that doesn't surprise the author, who has heard that they have creatures there that can leap over buildings in a single bound. "Wotever", quoth they, cowering beneath the chart table, "This is as big as an Eagle!" So, as they bravely hid, flapping their arms moth-wards and squealing like little girls, our twosome came up with a daring but risky plan. "We shall take up arms against this monster!" quoth Rich, the brains of the outfit. "Let us grab the largest Maglite we can find, and lead our nemesis outside using the beam of light as a lure!" Before Chris could stop him, the plucky cadet had leapt from his hiding-place and procured his weapon, shouting "Surprise!" and directing the beam at the flapping "behe"moth. However, the creature of darkness was ready for the move, and smote our hero with a flick of the antennae. As Chris crouched over his fallen watchmate, silent tears fell at the thought of the selfless sacrifice. "Oh well,” said he, "I guess we'll have to leave it for the next watch then."
Written by two big girls blouses!! (MP)