Similarly, we have to minimise packaging as there are no bins at sea either – we carry our waste with us. We tried to remove excess packaging at source, for example buying a crate of vegetables at the local market and choosing bulk hams and cheeses over smaller packs. The litter we create stays aboard in accordance with the race instructions. The only thing that goes overboard is food waste. Our main waste items are cellophane and tetra-paks which we washed in sea water, but now these are starting to smell. Our litter is stowed in the poop locker.
Unfortunately, one item of plastic did escape overboard. Last night, the children were playing with James' birthday balloons and threw one out of the forehatch. All balloons were then burst and added to the litter bags.
The crew have also been overboard. We have been slopping around so slowly that James suggested a swim. We put the boarding ladder over the side and trailed a bow line in the water and everyone had a marvellous swim. The water was balmy - around 29 degrees - and infinitely clear as far as we could see. It is quite odd to think that we were in water 5km deep. Alas, there were no fish to share it with us.
After our swim, we had a visitation. A Sunsail 41 on a delivery trip had spotted us and wandered over for a chat and to see if we needed assistance (who in their right minds would not be motoring in this calm?). As fellow Brits, they tried to persuade us to part with our last gas cylinder as they were nearly out already and were in need of tea. After some jolly banter, they motored on their way and left us to a sloshy night going nowhere. We hope the wind picks up again soon.
the world may not have ended yesterday, but we r being punished today. It has remained dark,very dark - needed lights on all day - plus side it is a mild 13c.
ReplyDeleteThe boats around u seem to have found some sort of breeze as they are constant at 5knts wher u r struggling around 2.
Hope your visitors did not use up any of your precious teabags.
Envy u all your swim. love mum xx
Like Tony said you should get some wind soon. At 1600 GMT White Dolphin was doing 9 kts and less than 50 nm from Barbados, closely followed by Red Hackle. You are shown as just under 800 nm from Barbados so my guess is arrival on Thursday, if you get good wind. I hope that the children were not too upset at the loss of the balloons. Lots of love Dad xxxxxxxxxxx
ReplyDeleteIncredible photo-lack of wind has other results! You appear to have more wind to hasten the finale. Yachts here preparing for Hobart with Nor easterly start and southerly change predicted later on the day. Several people in the southern Hemisphere are following your progress daily and enjoying the Blog.Off to J&T's for pre Christmas lunch with Eve today. Much love Hxxxxxx
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you've all had a salty bath. Actually sounds wonderful very jealous . Do hope you get to see some whales soon not too close though.
ReplyDeleteGeorge left for Jas's today . Just Elliot & I :( Love Julie x
Happy Christmas. With lots of love from us all. The Douglas family
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous photo! Thinking of you all out there as we watch all the flooding across the UK. A swim in the warm Atlantic briney sounds idyllic. A very happy Christmas to you all as I head for Dublin. Lots of love Niamh.
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