back at sea

well 3 days back at sea, feels just like the west coast. last night was one of the most frustrating nights i can remember. we spent 18 hours with no wind slopping around in 2 meter swells. yuck.

at the moment the wind has picked up to 20 NE and we are running with 2 slabs out of the main and the number 3 up., we are expecting the wind to pick up some more as the night goes on.

its so gutting going past all these places and not stopping in to explore! Gwen after everything you have told me about christchurch it was hard to sail past while looking at the beautiful banks peninsular.

i am enjoying doing the skeds with maritime radio, makes me feel very pro. recently we have been doing them on VHF as we are close enough to shore and then we dont have to put up with bad SSB interference. it is a pity we are out of cell range though. we have been listening to weather forecasts about 4 times a day. they lie. it would appear that the weather forecast for tomorrow night has hit us tonight (3m swells included).

i think me and dad are staring to come down with colds. we have started a rigorous treatment of panadol, vitamin C tablets and lots of oranges. hopefully we can kick it, being headachey at sea is no fun (although come to think of it we have much more potent drugs on board).

on the sked tonight we heard there was a boat that rolled in foveaux strait. i think the whole fleet was pretty gutted to hear that. me and dad cant believe something like that could happen to such great people, so close to our departure as well. our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic event and the people of Stewart Island are in our prayers.

matthew

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