Tuesday 2nd August
Everyone was up at sunrise, eager to set off on the first day and night trip. The day started like the others, we hauled anchor and headed out into the southerly breeze. Everyone took two hour shifts on the helm.
It was hard to make headway against the southerly wind and swell. After 4 hours we sailed past the northern side of Scawfell Island on a tack heading out to sea. An hour and a half later we were forced to tack back to avoid a cargo boat heading south. Another two hours went past and we had to tack again as we were heading into the eastern side of Scawfell.
Safia was on the helm as we reached the shipping channel again. Once again a cargo boat looked like it was going to greet us. Andrew calculated that the boat would pass just in front of us and said to stay on course. With worried looks on their faces the crew nervously watched as the boat approached four times faster than we were moving. The look of worry turned to relief as the boat past about 500m in front of Imagine. We continued on this tack enjoying the company of several groups of whales including a pair breaching for us.
Back on the port tack we passed the southern side of Scawfell. Twelve hours after departing we had managed to travel 10 nautical miles south. We knew the trip to Percy Island was going to be a long trip sailing into the wind.
Suddenly the wind turn easterly and we were off. The easterly meant we could sail directly south. Not quite in line with Percy but close enough. Four hours of sailing at 7 to 8knts took us almost all the way to Percy. Then it was over, the wind suddenly dropped from 17knts to 8. Imagine needs 10knts to sail, so on came the motor for the last 25 nautical miles.
Once anchored the crew were eager to get off the boat and explore Percy Island. This afternoon will be some chill time before heading over to the A frame on the beach for sundowners, catching up with other Boaties and a barbecue dinner.
Sent from Iridium Mail & Web.
Everyone was up at sunrise, eager to set off on the first day and night trip. The day started like the others, we hauled anchor and headed out into the southerly breeze. Everyone took two hour shifts on the helm.
It was hard to make headway against the southerly wind and swell. After 4 hours we sailed past the northern side of Scawfell Island on a tack heading out to sea. An hour and a half later we were forced to tack back to avoid a cargo boat heading south. Another two hours went past and we had to tack again as we were heading into the eastern side of Scawfell.
Safia was on the helm as we reached the shipping channel again. Once again a cargo boat looked like it was going to greet us. Andrew calculated that the boat would pass just in front of us and said to stay on course. With worried looks on their faces the crew nervously watched as the boat approached four times faster than we were moving. The look of worry turned to relief as the boat past about 500m in front of Imagine. We continued on this tack enjoying the company of several groups of whales including a pair breaching for us.
Back on the port tack we passed the southern side of Scawfell. Twelve hours after departing we had managed to travel 10 nautical miles south. We knew the trip to Percy Island was going to be a long trip sailing into the wind.
Suddenly the wind turn easterly and we were off. The easterly meant we could sail directly south. Not quite in line with Percy but close enough. Four hours of sailing at 7 to 8knts took us almost all the way to Percy. Then it was over, the wind suddenly dropped from 17knts to 8. Imagine needs 10knts to sail, so on came the motor for the last 25 nautical miles.
Once anchored the crew were eager to get off the boat and explore Percy Island. This afternoon will be some chill time before heading over to the A frame on the beach for sundowners, catching up with other Boaties and a barbecue dinner.
Sent from Iridium Mail & Web.
