ORCV Melbourne to Vanuatu (M2V)

Grinning Cat.

She'll no doubt win the prize for the most accurate ETA into Port Vila (and we must find out what that is), so she's grinning because of that, but also Samskara has continued to eat up the miles and get past some boats. Additionally of course, she's now exactly where she wants to be and miles away from being Office Cat. We refer to Kim McKee.... here's what may well be the last of her updates.

"As I wriggled my weary body out of my salt encrusted wet weather gear and unpacked the bulky contents of the jacket, (torch, PLB, strobe light, knife, head light, dye kit and half eaten muesli bar), for what should be one last time this morning, I felt a sense of relief mixed with apprehension and disappointment that the journey is coming to an end." Never fear, Kimbo. M2S and M2HE or W are there for you very soon indeed!!!

"Samskara has provided us with our own private, self-contained universe, which not only has all of the facilities to keep eight of us warm, clean and well fed, she has also carried us over 1800 nautical miles (approx. 3,500 kms) through mixed conditions, with only a few hissy fits along the way. It seems strange to feel so fond of an innate object, but somehow yachts have soul and personality and after looking after each other for so long, it is hard not to feel a real companionship and a sense of pride in her. Yachts like to be sailed rather than tied up in marinas and I can't help thinking that Samskara has enjoyed lifting her skirt, barrelling out of the Port Phillip Heads and opening into a canter for this passage. Although still creaking and moaning she feels as sound and comforting as the day we left." Yep. You've pretty much nailed it there.

Pic © Steb Fisher.

"As for the crew, although in high spirits, we certainly look and feel a bit rougher than when we left. Rougher, but in a sense a little healthier and fitter. It's amazing what getting up every 4 hours does for you, along with not drinking or eating to excess! We are all sporting some colorful bruises in odd places and are a little weather beaten, not to mention hairier (the boys anyway!) and I am sure, we're all a wee bit smellier. Manky clothes are being sealed in plastic bags and sea boots aired in the sunshine. Everyone is re-iterating the same thoughts - very happy to be arriving and seeing their friends and families, but also a little disappointed such an awesome trip is coming to a close."

"The wind has dropped out to 5-10 knots (see Get me to bar in time), as if teasing us so close to the finish. With just 70 miles to go, we are sailing along so slowly and gently, averaging 5 knots boat speed. Ironically, the day we are too excited to sleep, the bouncy castle is offering a gentle rocking, which is just ideal for snoozing! If we had the same wind strength as yesterday, we would definitely arrive in time to clear customs tonight, but with these new light conditions, it looks like party time on the customs buoy this evening. Three other boats should be joining us, so a bit of fun to be had and a nice close finish to celebrate!"

"We have just passed competing yacht 'The Secretary', who are doing this race two-handed and we have heard that George has had a fall and hurt his back, so Robyn is doing most of the steering. Poor buggers, that would be tough going! They have just VHF radioed to let us know their HF radio has gone down and asked if we can do today's 1615 sched for them, if they are not back up and running by then. Robyn had just written her daily blog and went to send it, just at the time the radio decided not to work. Lets hope she hasn't lost her material." She is amazing you know. Doing most of the steering because of Geo's injury and also the AutoPilot is down, now the HF is on the fritz.... Yet she still finds time to tell us what she's been up to. Bless her indeed...

"We are now in search of '51st Project', who were just 27 miles ahead at the 4.15am sched. A big call, but we have the new #1 headsail up and are making ok speed, given the conditions." They're probably looking at the next roast, Kimbo, so you may have chance yet!!!! Watch out - plenty of experience onboard. Suggest you throw plenty of cans of bundy and coke at 'em. Diversion tactics, just like when entering an animal enclosure...

"We are all particularly excited about arriving in Vanuatu. For us Australians to sail to a foreign port, is certainly a unique experience. With such vast distances from our island nation, we often fly overseas, but to sail aboard is a rare experience and we are looking forward to immersing ourselves in the island's culture and celebrating the journey." they'll be looking forward to having you, Kim.

Current Situation: "Jack Johnson piping through speakers, Stoopy doing our arrival papers, Rick totally absorbed in 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'. We've lost him, I think (he just piped up and said he can't wait to get there to buy the second book in the trilogy - Ed. It's worth it Rick - all three are great, so we won't spoil it - bit dark and super-interesting take on Scandahooligan culture and ethos, however...), Jesse steering, Fo, Mike, James and Leon all on deck."

The Tucker: "Chilli Beans and fresh bread ala Mike for lunch yesterday filled us all so full of food and air, that we just had noodles and cuppa soups for dinner. Bacon, egg and cheese omelette ala Ship's Cat this morning."

"So this ends the blogging at sea. I'll miss my daily routine of sitting/bouncing around the navigation station, sliding off the seat, while trying to type away. I will try and do one last update tomorrow to advise of our safe arrival and report any stand out performances at the mooring party tonight... I can hear a few cans cracking already - could be interesting..."

Signing off on behalf of the Samskara Crew and with a huge Cheshire Cat Grin, The Ship's Cat, Kimbo.

PS: "Log saying arriving around 8pm tonight - guess who wins the "Estimated date and time of finishing" competition??!! Hee hee, I wont start bragging until reality - still 68 miles to go but looking good!" What was the prize again Kimbo????? Please advise!

Pic © Steb Fisher

More soon...

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

By John Curnow and Simon Dryden