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Thursday, November 29, 2012

Tropic of Capricorn



The boat and I strode across the Tropic of Capricorn on 27th of November soon after rendering the evening report signifying a departure from tropical to sub tropical climate. That means no more tropical revolving storms, cyclones and hurricanes- only something worse called fronts.
But it was the 25th of November, when the first signs of a chill set in, that flying fish first made their appearance on the deck.  It is always a sure indicator of an inhospitable sea. Ever since, we have been having four to five all over the deck everyday and I have been throwing them overboard. It appears they suffer from poor night vision because that is when they usually get trapped on the deck. Thankfully they don’t leave an awful smell behind. I have been advised to cook and eat them. I sure would have if they were sardines or mackerels or tuna.

Trade winds picked up in intensity and lashed at us between 25 and 30 knots till 28 Dec with a well defined cyclicity. Winds would freshen in the afternoons and drop off into the teens by morning. Waves would easily rise to about 3-4 metres made steeper by undercutting currents. Each wave the boat would slam into would send shivers up its spine.  Sailing upwind in these conditions is not a pretty experience . When a 23 ton home does that and you are the lone occupant, you are a bit worried. Its worse than an earthquake- there is no end and no escape. The only thing that seemed to help was to slow down the boat so that she would not jump off the waves, rather just eased herself down the slope. On the plus side, there was enough wind for the wind generator to take almost all the electrical load of the boat. The diesel generator, which is usually run for about four hours a day to charge the service batteries, needed to be run just half an hour in two days.huge swell
And yes, there is a correlation and reverse correlation between baths and wind speed- either I have a shower in a calm and wind would soon pick up, or there is enough spray to bathe me each time I am on deck when it is windy. DSC_4816
I remember the last time I saw a real human face, but that memory too is fading. It was sometime before crossing the Equator. A Sri Lankan fishing boat that was perhaps 10 miles away from us pulled up for a closer look. I wonder at their coquettish curiosity that makes them burn so much fuel and in the end all they do is ask for a stick of cigarette. Here is what they usually look like (this picture was taking earlier this year while rounding Dondra Head)- nice way to hang out, I would say. But when you are alone in a boat and something like this pulls up just metres from you, it sure does leave you a bit jittery.
Check out this video of taking a reef in 30 knot winds. Nevermind the swell…

Good news- We are on twitter- follow me @abhilashtomy
Changes to the Blog-
-Feedburner has been activated . All you need to do now is leave your e-mail id in the right window and every post will land in your e mail fresh off the Skipper’s desk.
-Video bar has been added on top left. Browse videos anytime now!
Up Next- Fronts

16 comments:

  1. Great blog - thanks. Hope this keeps going - its really sharing the experience!

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  2. If you do eat the flying Fish be careful of the spikes in fins, they can give you a painful surprise.
    Great going my friend !!

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    Replies
    1. I don't intend to :) My mentor says its easier to open a can

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  3. loved the video, gives a clear picture of what it must feel like out there all on your own.

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  4. did you have a cigarette to give them haha. very scary the sea looks.

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  5. Saw the video. Bloody Good Show, Tomy! Keep goin' like a bull. Fair winds and following sea...

    Cdr N Shyam Sundar
    Sudarshini

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  6. Have you read the latest blog. Here is link for you. http://www.aseanindia.com/skippers-blog/2012/11/27/something-brewing-well-east-of-philippines-archipelago

    Cdr N Shyam Sundar
    Sudarshini

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    Replies
    1. Thanks sir! I have been regularly following your posts! I wont mind trading places :)

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  7. Good going Abhilash. Got the track.
    Capt Negi

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  8. That is an overwhelming video for a landlubber like me! Following you on Twitter now. (@uspandey)

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  9. love the beard, clea here

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  10. Happy Navy day on 04 Dec 12.You are in everyones thoughts. Hi to your brown companion. Am drumming up some online support for you from adventure enthusiasts. You will need it as days go bye.
    Good luck.
    Capt MVS Negi

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  11. My god!! Saw the video- taking a reef in 30 knot winds- this sheer requires guts, muscle power, and lots of motivation....Just looking at it i was tired and exhausted. And i like your smile after all that...What camera are you using. Is it fixed somewhere on the deck. Excellent coverage....Keep going...all our good wishes!!

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  12. Kya Daring hai Boss, and upon that a smile, Kya baat hai...

    Daringly dared, half of it won.(a swedish proverb)

    All the very best again, specially in tough swells.

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  13. hello dude its a great adventure i wish to conjure Hemingways's OLD MAN & THE SEA..no words to appreciate you bro..u r filling me deep hope

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