Ian is an enthusiastic and committed chef on board. But he is a tiny bit messy. Dave used to complain that he had to clean pasta off the deckhead after Ian had cooked. But before he leaves the boat Ian scrubs the galley fastidiously. He has always done that.
With time to spare, Ian made it home to Sydney to give away the bride while I stayed here in Trinidad with an empty boat, a gleaming stove and a novel absence of rich cooking smells. For the requisite 5 days I sat about and did nothing but sleep, tipple and read. Two wonderful books – John Wiliams’ “Stoner” and Dessaix’ “Night Letters”. I wish Chris was here so we could talk about them.
Then to work – With the able assistance of Ian Middleton I lugged 3 heavy sails ashore for mending and re-cutting. Now I have two yankees and 3 staysails – all in good condition – in addition to the main, the reaching spinnaker, a spare main (battenless and loose-footed), the storm jib and trysail. Tainui is at last set up for light air downwind sailing. Such a novelty after all those windy, high latitude miles.
I have wired in a new speedo impeller, so now we can compare SOG (speed over the ground) and STW (speed through the water) for instant assessment of current. The wind speed and direction unit still doesn’t work – it needs a new masthead unit, not available in Trinidad.
Then to a general cleanup in anticipation of Maxine’s arrival. A fastidious cleanup, I would say, though she would call it desultory. I have finally had window covers made for the aft cabin – something Max has been demanding for aeons – and that might earn me back the points I will lose for my inadequate clean-up.
Commercial waterfront
Mike (Loreley) and crew
Chagauramas inner harbour
mahi-mahi
Disaster of the week