Skippers log #17
Position: 16 01N 42 46W at 22:30GMT Log Entry: Making my way slightly E of S with the main and staysail set. It is blowing about 22 knots apparent and we are bouncing over some fairly large swell. It is like riding a bucking bull. Conditions have gone this way just in the last few hours. Fortunately I got dinner out of the way earlier. It was Gwen's famous curry. It was good. The seas are breaking over the bow and we are throwing a big spray as we come crashing off the waves. I am always on edge in these conditions as it is easy to break gear. After my morning nap, I cast a cursory glance over the boat, thinking what needs to be checked. I do this every day. I decided to check the gooseneck more closely. This is where the boom meets the mast. Just as well. The split pin that holds the bolt that secures the entire contraption had sheared and was working itself out. Had I not discovered this, the boom would have gone adrift and could have caused a dismasting. It is usually something simple that leads to a major catastrophe. Got the pin replaced and all is well. I had a call from Stu Kimball, a stock broker friend, checking on how we were doing. Stu is one of many good friends we just never got to spend time with in Charleston. A meal here, a meeting there, a phone call every so often. I have been reading. This week's book is set in Ireland in the town we used to live in. It brought back a lot of memories to the close friends there. I miss Gwen. She is in Ireland, at her home in the mountains. It was in Ireland at her home that I wrote a lot of No Barriers. There is something about being creative out in natures peace and quiet. We still have close ties to the city of Galway where I prepared the boat for the last attempt around the world. I have not forgotten the friends there who made the difference that we are reaping today. In your lifetime, every one should have the chance to visit the west of Ireland. I was privileged to live there, and to fly the Irish flag along with the South African Flag on my vessel. Another flag that has earned its place on this vessel is the American Stars and Stripes. Neal