ORCV Melbourne to Vanuatu (M2V)

Sneaky Cat.

Kim McKee, aka Kimbo the Ship's Cat, seems to be pretty happy with herself as her ETA into Port Vila (she'd chosen Friday) looks more doable than ever. Did she know something? Seems the prize is now the focus of crew discussions... Interesting.

"Another day sails by with a respectable 180 nautical miles covered in the past 24 hours. We have completed 1265 nautical miles of the 1885 mile trip and are maintaining consistent speeds, so the finish line is becoming a more discussed topic."

"We have some decisions to make about which route to take around New Caledonia. The lead boat, "TevakeII" is  enroute to leave New Caledonai to starboard, meaning it is going around the Northern end and then across to Vanuatu. The other options are to leave New Cal to port and either slip through the pass between the main island and The Isle Of Pines, or leave them all to port then shoot Nor'east to Vanuatu. The passage between Isle of Pines and main island of New Cal looks the most scenic, but more reading and research will have to be done before we understand the tides and currents. There would be nothing worse than parking in there for a few days, no matter how scenic it may be!"

"Once we clear New Cal, it is about 260 nautical miles to the finish. Contrary to the forecast, the breeze has swung more South for us, which allows the sheets (ropes fixing the bottom and leeward end of the sail to the boat) to be cracked a bit more and enjoy some fast beam reaching with the number 2 headsail. Unfortunately, we have had to keep a roll/reef in the mainsail since our outhaul issue the other night. The roll takes the load off the fitting and acts as insurance that it wont come away again. We are still maintaining an average of 8-9 knots boat speed, which is a happy thing in these conditions. We have clawed back at a few of the other boats, which is very exciting." (See - and you thought she was just a sit on your lap and look lovingly at you kind of cat).

Smaskara as she departed the Heads - pic © Steb Fisher.

"Last night we endured a sloppy sea state, but it seems to have abated a bit this morning and we are enjoying riding the long, wide rolling ocean swells. We have two lures trailing out the back, as we are still in search of Mahi Mahi. We would even settle for a tuna today. (take the tuna - nicer eating anyway...awesome sushi with cold sake too!!!!) We passed three floating bouys this morning, which we think may be long line fishing nets. Seems a long way in the middle of nowhere for these, but no real other explanation could be made. Unless they are drug drops ready for a ship to pick up? We are fortunate we did not catch one on our keel or rudder, as we scooted past it early this morning, sharks or drugs hanging off the end. We do not need either of them or the hassle of unhooking it!" Good kitty - we are a family show here...

The Tucker: 'Easy Foods' lamb shanks has had rave reviews from all the crew, since they were served with mash potato, carrots, corn topped with rosemary and red wine sauce last night. Well done Mike and Stoopman. This has been a real highlight and the effort to serving it up while walking on walls was just outstanding!

Notable moments: The remaining smelly people treated themselves to showers this morning and more undy ceremonies performed. Crewmember number 4 did number 2's, which resulted in an emergency evacuation of the saloon. Sadly our canary, who was left inside, has perished! (remember Kimbo - we are a family show...)

Right here right now: Rick in saloon in quarter berth enjoying his new found love of reading, Jesse in the galley washing up the brunch dishes, oh and Rick has just jumped to his assistance... Nick is steering, Mike in the cockpit reading, Stoops, James and Leon all catching zzz's. Leon has again been continually maintaining the good ship. He has fixed the leaking windows, so we are now not taking on buckets of water, the HF radio has been pulled apart, repaired and reset, so we are now transmitting and receiving on cue rather than randomly, he had the sail repair kit out yesterday and re-sewed a tear in the number 2 headsail. Champion effort!

"That's about it for today, we are all settled in as we will be on this heading for about the next 40 hours or so. Let's hope the wind God (Huey) stays happy and keeps spitting the 15-22 knots of breeze on the beam for us, so we can continue to maintain this speed. Not only because it is a more comfortable bouncy castle like this, but it is making my estimated arrival time looking pretty good! I better start talking up the prize for the winning bid!"

They have 432nm to travel, as of Tuesday morning, so three days (she'd chosen Friday 0900hrs) is quite in the realm of possibility for them. Insider trading, there are some possibilities Kimbo could be getting an extra day of tropical cat before she returns to working cat!

Please remember, that if you want to find out where everyone is in the chase for the container that APC Logistics sent to Vanuatu, then please go HERE. Sked times are 4.30am and pm EST.

By John Curnow