The day began when the radar alarm went off , out of my bunk to look at
the radar and find the ship, 8 miles off. I think the QM2 no danger
but had a look on deck anyway to see that everything is OK. It was not
quite right the wind speed was sporadic, it was averaging 12 kts but
dropping to less than 6kts at times under the low cloud and rain. At
that low speed the wind vane will not steer and the boat hardley moves
anyway at that wind speed. Then some hand steering in drizzle to deep
on track and to keep moving. An hour or so and later and the wind is back
A difficult morning followed, increasing wind from the quarter and
trying to make south with the waves hindering. Up to 35kt over the deck
it was hard work in rough conditions but gradularly improving and at
lunchtime a gybe and a better ride and the heading slowly improving.
The rain clearing and the sun appearing and not least the wind was
veering north north west. Max speed was 9 knots plus which is hard
pressed for Flamingo.
Finally everything falls into place, it cannot get better for sailing a
broad reach and sunshine. It was good sailing, just a pity that
Flamingo does not double the speed off the wind like some yachts. I get
things in balance and everything is great. Then on goes the Ipod, the
speakers in the cockpit blaring and I can sing along - Blondie, 10CC,
the Who live at Leeds, Status Quo. I can sing the wrong words, out of
tune and no one complains.
If you know the film Das Boot, think of the CaptainU-riving his u boat
through the Straights of Gibraltar, that was me standing at the back of
the cockpit, riding the waves and egging on flamingo lady to make good
progress. Luckily the only spray is from the waves and its full sun. I
convince myself that we are at last having good weather and are catching
up. Most importantly I am enjoying the sailing . The morning it was
only fun to have done rather than in the doing .
Mike / Flamingo Lady
Please donate to my chosen charity CRISIS go to
www.justgiving.com/mikecollins-sailing
CRISIS campaigns on behalf of and works with the most vulnerable
homeless people in the country
lat:45.48
lon:36.03
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