300 Miles from Madeira
Notes from the Back Cabin, aka Beginners Biscay
Part 2 Caruna to half way there
Dear Bridget
I am still alive and apparently now "half-way there". I don't know if this refers to usefulness, distance or time. The Port-side, Stern cabin remains Immaculate but has gained the additional features of a lee side spare duvet and a windward spare blanket. In this way, whether we pitch port or starboard I am as snug as a bug. Somewhat unkindly perhaps, this has been compared to a soft play area.
My new friends – Wendy, Wingey, Otto and Toad
Turns out that good steering really is useful in downwind, following-swell sailing. Winds have gusted to 37 knots, and swells risen to 5m, so that has been a Thing. Able Waister (AW) is accustomed to heading for a Tea Shop in these circumstances, but the nearest one is now several hundred miles to windward and so Wendy, the windvane, is a star. She has steered perfectly, watch after watch for almost 48 hours on the trot.
Electricity is also useful so that AW can charge his toothbrush, and so Wingey, the wind generator is also a Back Cabin Friend. She, however, causes vibration akin to a low grumble the length of the boat and so AW has made the acquaintance of Toad (below).
Otto, meanwhile, is a revelation to AW. In simpler craft, "shall I give her to Otto?" is quite simply meaningless, but I have found that the Skipper in fact refers to Auto, a very small and somewhat faded button on the binnacle. Simply pressing this button allows AW to walk off, make tea, potentially write a book and Tintin will proceed in a straight line with no further explanation.
And back to Toad – full name "The Toad Generator". This snaking miracle of steel and rope twists and turns behind the boat generating the quantities of electricity that AW might achieve on Zwift. The name became clear when AW considered the phonetic or elocutionary challenges experienced in the south of England compared to, for example, Northern Ireland. Ballycastle pronunciation "tauwed" would help AM understand that the Toad is towed.
Monday 9th September Set off for Camarinas, fishing begins
Melita set off to find the beginning of the Camino, and possibly James. Tintin set off on a grey and swelly sea to expand AW's Fishing Horizons. Within minutes of leaving the anchorage (mentioned before with reference to outboard engine fuel, lights etc), AW was again wondering if the world was in fact a tumble drier. Unsurprisingly, there were no fish, but surprisingly, the day developed to very pleasant cruising conditions in the late afternoon. As usual at such times, Skipper released the crew ashore, and AW found himself exploring a delightful quiet beach and a grim industrial fishing dock. Camarinas is known as a refuge for orca-damaged boats and so it was no surprise to AW to find a sailing boat with no rudder on the dock, and a French fellow building a concrete boat on the next pontoon.
Tuesday 10th September At sea but all in order
Skipper planned our passage to leave Camarinas early because the wind was rising and sure enough the gusts escalated along with the waves very quickly indeed. AW tried steering in order that Wendy might have a break and was relieved to find that although both he and Wendy were wobblier than Otto, reasonable adherence to the Skipper's Blue Line was achieved. No adherence to the Fishing Instructions has been achieved, but at least AW has not lost the equipment overboard.
A moment of significant concern arose when AW realised that the current provision of Ferry Hill 2024 will not stretch to meet AW's requirements to Madeira. Reassurance has been offered that a jar of World Championship Runner-Up Marmalade is on board, but AW has not yet had sight of the actual jar.
Wednesday 11th September Too much of a good thing
A day in which AW learned that it is, in fact, possible to have too much of a good thing (wind). Morale was maintained by eating too much and spending a ridiculous amount of time in the soft play area. Some consolation for bouncing around all day was offered by a spectacular display of wash phosphorescence in the small hours, and a remarkably fine hot shower.
AW ran "close to the wind" when First Mate enquired about remaining stocks of yoghurt, granola, tiffin and Snacks in General. Subtle suggestion by AW has allowed the blanket of suspicion to fall on the Skipper.
Thursday 12th September Being on the map
Two days ago, AW discovered that repeated clicks on the navigation map made our destination (Madeira) appear relatively close. The excitement was moderated by the observation that Brazil, the USA and Iceland also appeared close using this method. AW was therefore surprised to find that Skipper uses the same method – today a wall chart was posted in the Saloon showing Portugal, Morocco, Madeira and the Atlantic. AW is delighted to observe that every 12 hours our position takes a great leap towards Madeira. He hopes that if the weather is fine, Skipper will again cancel the sailing and send us to the Beach.
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