---------- Original Message ----------
To: (rob1621.tintin@redholme.com)
From: Vinson of Antarctica (vinson@remotemail.co)
Subject: Falklands to port
Date: 14/04/2022 17:47:42
>
> Hi
> I'm writing this on my laptop, so that a) I know where all the
> punctuation is and b) I don't feel that I'm hogging the ship's laptop.
> It's a lovely sunny day today - gentle wind, which means we need engine
> assistance and the waves are still big(ish), but both less than
> yesterday.
> I'll do a quick rundown of the crew, which I'll also post to the blog.
> Skipper is Kenneth - leader of the 'Catalan mafia'who are running this
> ship. He's sailed every mile this boat has done and is hugely
> experienced and competent. What he says, goes. he is now fully
> recovered from the cold/flu he suffered from in the 1st couple of weeks.
> 1st Mate is Justino (or Justi, pronounced 'Hoosti'). Fewer grey hairs but
> still many seasons on IMOCAs and other large yachts. The king of
> rigging.
> Oscar is the final Catalan. A late replacement for Paddy, he is normally
> the skipper of 'Kaap Hoorn' - the personal yacht of Nicholas Ibanez
> (owner of VoA). He was brought on board in case Ken failed to make the
> anticipated recovery.
> There are 6 paying crew like me - with the exception of Kate, men of my
> age(ish) and mosytly with 3 kids!
> Tim - Irishman from near Dublin. Owns a Contest in the Med and has plenty
> of sailing experience & sense. 3 children slightly older
> Maurice - the late arrival. Also from Dublin. He's recently bought a
> catamaran with the intention of doing the ARC. I'm trying to convince
> him to carry on westward! Also 3 kids
> Carlos - Intensive Care Specialist from Valencia via Ealing. An absolute
> bundle of energy all the time; full of enthusiasm and eagerness to learn.
> 3 sons slightly younger.
> Chris. Single from London. He's found the 1st few days of ocean sailing
> hard work, and missed Cape Horn with seasickness. I share a cabin with
> Chris.
> Kate. Younger Californian Has her own small yacht in San Franscisco.
> Very knowledgeable of the wildlife
> In addition, we have the 3 Chileans.
> Christian. Ex-Chilean navy in early 30s. He's here at Nicholas'
> invitation and to help with the young trainees. Passionate about
> navigation, he is punctillious in the accuracy and neatness of the logs
> and navigation plots.
> Arturo. 18 year old Chilean trainee from Puerto Williams. Quiet
> Anton. Precocious 15 year old who is like a young labrador wanting to be
> in everything. Always smiling, evern when seasick.
> All in all, it's a cohesive crew that is gelling well and works without
> fuss or shouting, and everybody is very supportive of others. It's great
> pleasure to be on board.
> We have 3 watches, so it's 3 hours on, 6 off. I'm on with Justi, Maurice
> and Carlos.
> Yesterday, there was plenty of wind (30-35 knots) and big seas (up to 5 m
> waves). VoA cruised over everything with ease, but taking the sights for
> navigation was difficult as the horozon wouldn't stay still. I think we
> getting better at taking the sights and not making mistakes with the
> arithmatic. Our EP today at local noon (13:40UTC) was 50deg50'S 50deg
> 13' W. How are we doing?
> We're heading more north than the great circle route to avoid a nasty low
> that's coming in a couple of days. The idea is to cruise along the area
> between the high to the north and the low to the south, giving decent
> wind and pleasant conditions. VoA needs a good 20knots from behind to
> get her moving.
> i was due to cook again this evening, but Ken - who is normally excluded
> from the rota (as on all good yachts) is making a guest appearance.
> Perhaps I was so bad the 1st time, he doesn't want me on again?!
>
> Yesterday, as we passed south of the Falklands, we were buzzed by a
> military transport aircraft. They flew over us at low level, turned
> round, flew over us again and went back from whence they came. We think
> it was a routine surveillance mission by the RAF from the Falklands, but
> don't know for sure. They weren't very communicative on the radio!
> That's all for now, I'm going to act as sous chef for Ken!
>
> No pictures now, but there should be some good ones on the Vinson of
> Antarctica Instagram account. Let me know!
>