26/04/12 - Tenacious

This morning we were roused in our bunks by an Easterly wind and whitecap swells bigger than we've seen since departing from Hamilton. Our heading steering us directly into this wind is, however, forcing us to continue to progress under engine power. Not much sailing to be done, and not much to do about it. Unfortunately we're not anticipating a fortuitous development before reaching the Azores, so barring a surprise we'll keep the engines on until Horta. In other news the shipwide game of assassin is off to a brisk start, with over half the crew 'dead' in only the first three days. The game goes as follows: each person aboard draws a name out of a hat, a location on the ship, and a weapon with which to commit the assassination. For example, one could be assigned the task of offing Second Mate Richard in the lower mess with a length of rope. An assassination is only valid if witnessed by a third party, and if successful the killer then takes the assignment of his victim, thus perpetuating the cycle. The field should eventually shrink to a final two, and then a crowned victor. We're all waiting in great anticipation of the result! The draw for the Tenacious Backgammon Open has been drawn and posted in the lower mess, and now begin the first elimination games. Fore - Starboard watch leader Stephen drew the unenviable task of opposing Captain Barbara in the first round. Perhaps an upset is in store!
The scenery remains ever unchanging, yet there's a growing excitement aboard at the prospect of reaching the Azores and getting a good 24-48 hours with solid land under our feet, and we'll keep our fingers crossed for better sailing winds as soon as possible!

Shoutouts:
Emma Simpson - "Happy Birthday, Mum!"
Second Mate Richard says hello to his dad