After sailing through the night under lower topsails alone and reaching 8-9knots on a pleasant run before the wind, the day dawned grey with threatening rain. Aft Starboard watch were happy to hand over their watch at 8am and from then on, yellow oilies were the dress code of the day. The captain informed us that the weather forecast was for force 9 winds from virtually any direction and for once it was right. The safety lines rigged and watertight deck doors closed, the crew spent most of the day in their bunks unless they were on watch. There were only 7 takers for lunch which was served in mugs to avoid spillages! Occasionally a sail change required the bosuns mates and cadets to venture onto deck and by evening we resorted to the engines after handing the square sails. Amidst the wild weather several small birds were spotted being blown about, some landed on the ship and the bird watchers were busy identifying them. We are approaching Elba but not to stop, we are heading straight on to Monaco and hope to reach port on Thursday. It’d be nice if the wind dropped a bit before then!
Steph and Tony, aft stbd.