Chapter Two - a - Wednesday, 1st February 1956

Bottle No.1 Launched in: Lat. 27º 56'S
Long. 36º 26'W

by Juan, with a hefty heave to windward. He said that the red plastic stopper was too attractive and that the bottle would be swallowed by a big fish, without doubt.

Mostly out of shame for my having so far avoided all kitchen duties I decided to make a macaroni dish for supper, with tomato extract sauce and grated cheese. So much assistance was forthcoming, however, that the danger arose of "too many cooks spoiling the broth", as skipper and Juan both had very pronounced ideas about the sause. Oliver, who is feeling more chirpy, put in his oar as well. In spite of this the meal was a great success and was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Hoisted mizzen stay sail. Worked out my first sight.

The skipper and I approximately the same age, recalling songs of our youth, particularly those popular favourites of Leyton and Johnson, gave an impromptu sing-song, including the following numbers: -

"Can't help loving that man"
"Remember"
"Waiting for the moon to shine"
"No foolin'"
"My gal's Mother"
"Hard Hearted Hannah"
"Mademoiselle"
"there's danger in your eyes, cherie"
"Alabamy Bound"
"S'Wonderful"

Tolling for fish. No catch.

Chapter One - h) - Sunday 31th January, 1956

Logged 134 Miles

Ran the auxiliary petrol generator for battery charging, for two hours, as we cannot get radio time singnals on the W/T, as it is at present, and the chronometer error is too erratic to give us an accurate longitude.

Very pleasant sailing.

Juan made a Spanish broth of garlic, stale bread and eggs. Very tasty.

Set the Genoa jib

More whale spoor observed.

Skipper showed us how to have a "shower" lying in the net under the bowsprit. I tried it out. very agreeable. Skipper also demonstrated the methods of obeying pysiological necessities of the side instead of using the W.C. Very practical and hygienic.

Further efforts to locate the short circuit in the engine room unsuccessful.

Trolling for fish. No catch.