Wednesday 24th April 2013
Closehauled in rough seas this morning, so well heeled also - no way any deck work on solar panels' wiring or renewing of joined genoa sheet was going to take place...
Instead spent a long time sorting out NZ weather fax schedule and which frequency to listen to when - not easy since they don't transmit on all frequencies simultaneously but instead on one at a time, 15 mins apart - so had to listen to all transmissions to find out which was best here and now - and that will change anyway. Programmed frequencies into radio for ease of use in future.
Second length of rope connected to genoa sheet with a rolling hitch gave way eventually, with rough seas and continual jerking of the line and stress on the knot... Not a major problem since forunately still had original sheet on winch... had to furl in genoa somewhat due to short line though.
Still only putting in half the amps we should be from solar panels ... Tomorrow looks to be calm so will try to deal with re-connecting chafed/cut wire that should be taking solar power to down below.
Had several one-hour naps over the day - have been missing out on sleep for quite a time now so must make a priority of getting daily quota in snatches.. Can't afford to be over-tired too often.
Still trying to catch up with big backlog of unanswered emails. Slow-going with so many other problems to contend with each day.... and weather info and optimising of sailing - course and sail trim - to keep on top of...
Was put out to find gas supply to galley cooker had failed tonight- suspect the solenoid cut-off valve... Another problem to look at tomorrow. In meantime, got out back-up little camping stove to boil kettle and re-hydrated a freeze-dried meal tonight - TG for both those and the little back-up burner!! Hope I can get gas flowing again soon - don't have too many of the disposable gas cartidges available. At least it's warmer now.
Heading NNE-N - but wind has died with incoming, building, High pressure system - so only making 1-2 kt overnight after earlier rainshower. Lovely near-full bright moon in clear sky now... Rolling gently in calm sea - so very different from earlier in the day...
D.M.G. over 24hr to 10am LT: 92 n.ml. slow, slow, slow..... more light wind . Sydney: 1008 n.ml. (258T); New Zealand's North Cape: 175 n.ml. (118T) Norfolk Island: 243 n.ml. (316T)
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For my positions and track, see:
www.svnereida.com - 'Travels' - "Where is 'Nereida'?"
and/or:
http://www.exactearth.com/media-centre/recent-ship-tracks/tracking-nereida/