15/02/12 - Lord Nelson

The first night sail of a trip is always a challenge to the 'rooky' sailor or the old hand alike. After an excellent meal, the ship's company settled down into the routine of either sleep or being on watch.
The night sky was magnificent. With no Moon or any light pollution, the heavens were on full and spectacular show. Our mastheads were 'ectosketching' around Orion's Belt. The Plough and Polaris were astonishing in the northern horizon, while Jupiter and Venus (we think!) illuminated the cloud cover off our starboard side.
In spite of all of this beauty, it was a lumpy and leaden sea for the crew to sleep and work on. Most of us didn't get a good night's sleep and were bounced around our bunks while we waited for our watches to start, or just to get a good night in bed.
The effects of Night Sea were plain to see this morning. Not many of us made it to breakfast as demonstrated by our Captain Chris having to cover as Cook's Ass and showing his alternative side preparing a veggie nut loaf!
But as the day has gone on, and the sun has warmed the 'cockles' of the ship, everyone is enjoying the sunshine.
The sailing has been great. All our sails out including the Spanker (not seen that often in my experience). We've been making about 4-6 knots towards La Gomera with a view of staying at sea until we land at Estaca on El Hierro at 7am tomorrow.
This afternoon we've completed our emergency fire evacuation drill as well as a fire fighting drill.
In all, this is great sailing weather.
Mike Travis F Starboard
Fred the Fish says "ABSENT FRIENDS"