Skippers log #13
23 34N 48 00W @ 22:00 GMT
It has been a long and painful 18 hours. The wind early this morning was about 4 knots out of the WNW. I was trying to go east. I took two 45 minute naps, put on my docksiders (which means I mean serious business), cranked up the CD player and hoisted the big light spinaker. I took over helming for about 3 hours, fighting fatigue. It was great driving in the moon light. It was still light and I set the autopilot which did an okay job. After and hour the winds started to go more to the NW which was great. The boat steered better. I saw the mail light on the Satcom on so I want to download the message, when there was a loud explosion on deck and serious flapping of the spinaker. I rushed up to fear the worst of a shredded spiniker, but not so. The stern base of the bowsprit had sheered totally and the pole was rammed into the deck. First reaction was to does the spinaker. I grabbed the down haul and began pulling the sock down. Then the spinaker filled and forced the sock sky ward. My instincts were to hold on to the running line, and only when I felt the heat in my left hand did I let go. I was expecting to see smoke coming from my hand and flames, gauging by the pain, and smell burning flesh. But fortunately not so. I did take a bad rope burn, but not that bad that I needed to medical treat it. But the dad news is my bowsprit is useless and I am not sure if I can find a way to fly that sail. But in my life there are no barriers. This is just a set back and I will solutions. First things at sunrise I had to get out the screw driver and hammer and force the cup open. It had come backward into the deck with such force that is bent the cup closed and made the pole useless too. But with some forceful persistence, I managed to get the cup open wide enough to releave it of its content. Then I swung the pole around as I can not use that cup on the mast.I don't need to open the end beak once the lines are run through. This is what I did and made the pole useable at least for the other spinaker and the genoa. I then hoisted the yellow and only full function spinaker on the boat and set off again, in light airs. It has stayed light all day and the wind has just increased from the NE. I am beating with the headsails set. In all negative experiences is the building of character. I have some more and just to prove it, Midland Park Elementary school was the first group to call me and ask questions. They brightened my day. So I jug along patiently. To also lift my spirits, I spoke with Gwen who is back from her holiday. I am awaiting her e-mails with the details.