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A Close Call!

Well, it’s been another slow day out here. The wind is still light, and what little breeze there is, is coming from directly astern. Trying to sail in these conditions would be like trying to push a wet noodle uphill. We’d be going so far off course that our VMG (velocity made good) would be only a few knts. We’d be out here for weeks if we relied on this wind. So, we’re motoring.

Now, you might think I’ve got all the time in the world out here, lounging in the sun. But let me tell you, a skipper’s mind is never truly at rest. We’re always on high alert, constantly monitoring our surroundings. At least, the good ones are! We listen to the engine’s every note, feel for any unusual vibrations through the hull. A tap on the mast? We’re checking to make sure it’s just a halyard. A squeak from the boom? Time for an inspection. We’re always scanning for chafing lines, checking for wind shifts. It’s a constant state of awareness. Yesterday morning, around this time, I was sitting in the cockpit, facing aft. It was pitch black, no moon. If you strained your eyes, you could just make out the faintest hint of dawn on the horizon. I was patting myself on the back for getting another blog post done, feeling rather pleased with myself. Then, my mind started to wander. Why do we call it a phone? I mean, out of all the things a smartphone does, actually making phone calls is probably the least used function. In fact most people wont even answer if someone calls. The Germans have it right, they use the English word and call it a “handy.” My friend calls it a “fondle slab,” which, let’s be honest, is pretty accurate. And then… "Oh Shiiiiii" - ! I jumped to my feet, my heart pounding. It was certain disaster. How could I have not seen it? There was a huge ship right behind, completely unlit, bearing down on us. I was about to dive into action, preparing for a collision or to change cou- Oh. It's a cloud. Admittedly very dark, very ominous-looking cloud. Phew. 

Anyway, less amusingly, the “little something” that the GFS was showing for the 10th near Fiji is back on the radar. The ECMWF is starting to pick it up too, though it’s still early days. Fingers crossed it’s just a blip. My aim is to get into Apia, Samoa, by Monday morning. And we can fill the fuel up and reasses the plan. A lot can happen between now and then, including another close encounter with a dangerous cloud!

This is not filling me with joy. 


Out here, you learn to appreciate the small things, like a smooth engine note, a clear sky, and the absence of dangerous unlit clouds. 

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