ORCV Melbourne to Vanuatu (M2V)
Bossa Nova Cat.
When I read through Kimbo's latest piece I had a soundtrack full of Stan Getz, Astrud Gilberto, Antônio Carlos Jobim, Vinicius de Moraes and João Gilberto playing through my head. Maybe it was the sight of land after so long thing? Perhaps it was the reefs, sun and likelihood of sailing along in shorts? It could have even been the presence of cruise liners.
No matter what, here is her latest installment.
"As the weather was looking stable (and our sudden compulsion to try even harder to mow down some boats in front of us), we decided on taking the quick route through the reef, in between the main island of New Caledonia and the Southern group, which are known as the Isle of Pines. The passage is around 8nm long and 4nm wide at the start, then narrows to 2nm before popping out at the other end. It is a reasonably well marked pass, but with waves breaking over gnarly reefs on both sides and with us shooting through doing 8-10 knots under spinnaker and in the middle of night, it definitely made it another, 'all hands on deck', affair."
"We were all set up for it and everyone was looking forward to a bit of action, despite it being in the middle of the night. It was an exhilarating feeling: kite up, deciphering the blinking navigational marks, peeling to the #3 headsail for the short dog-leg beam reach, then back to kite, as we shot out of the narrow Northern gap. Amidst this excitement, there was a radio sched that again confirmed we have clawed back a few more miles on our fellow competing boats. This, combined with the first sight of land in eight days, as the sun peeped over the horizon, had the happy hour bell ringing all before 6.30am. A celebratory sip was complemented by bacon and egg sandwiches, ala Jess and Nick. A great way to start the day!"
This may be something like what she saw - from Helsal II in the 2006 M2V.
"Our welcome to the tropics: We had an enormous cruise ship heading straight for us this morning, doing about 30 knots. After making radio contact to ensure he had, in fact, seen us, he confirmed that he was just coming over to say hi and give his passengers a closer look at us! Big arm waves from both vessels commenced, as he gave us a toot and warm greeting. Very odd, but such a very pleasant welcome to the islands!"
"Current Situation: Dave Gray's tunes are filtering through the boat's speakers, the sun is shining, the spinnaker's full and the mild sea state and angle have the bouncy castle working in slow motion, which in turn allows us to open some hatches and air the good ship out." Fantastic news Kimbo - bet ii needs it!!! "Bloody beautiful! It really is one of those 'you wouldn't be dead for quids' moments and reminds you why sailing is so special!"
Or perhaps even this? - from Helsal II in the 2006 M2V.
"Everyone is in go slow mode after a long night on deck. Leon is asleep in the saloon quarter berth. He was the main navigator throughout the night, so would be feeling a big sense of relief. Mike is in the forward cabin catching zz's, Rick in the port aft cabin and James is in the starboard aft cabin snoozing too. It's an opera of snores, sounding like a country fair, wood chopping contest! Jesse is in the shower sprucing himself up, Captain Stoopy is on the wheel and Nick is on deck reading, keeping him company and doing the odd sail trim. A very happy and mellow ship!"
The more I think about it, this is probably what she has in mind? It certainly is for me!!!! - from Helasal II during the 2006 M2V.
"The Tucker: Dinner last night was another Easy Foods meal of lamb and currant stew. This was complimented by fresh bread made by our resident, "masterbaker" Mike, from bread mix kindly supplied by Lynda. Many thanks Lynda. It was like heaven after days of eating the bland, mountain flat bread!"
"Nature Spots: Flying fish galore - literally hundreds all around us. Islands and reefs!"
"Tropical paradise: I think today will mark the last of thermal underwear and we will be sailing the last 280 nautical miles in shorts and t-shirts - the moment we have all been waiting for! If we maintain our current speed average SOG of 8-9 knots, we are now thinking we will arrive tomorrow night (Thursday). If it's after about 4pm (local), we will be too late to clear Customs, so will have to spend the night on the Customs buoy and do the formalities on Friday morning. Everyone is getting very excited about arriving and particularly seeing their family and friends who are flying across especially to meet us!"
"We are now approaching the Loyalty Islands and all we have to do is miss Lifou and Mare Islands and do some more reef hopping through a few coral islets in between and then we are on the homeward stretch."
"Very much looking forward to our arrival!!"
Samskara in the centre of frame, seconds before the start of the 2010 M2V.
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
