A completely cloudless day, the first on our voyage so far, with the sun rising like a golden ball on the horizon, ascending slowly, crossing the Meridian, then dipping and setting accordingly.
We are now sailing due east on latitude 34° south, the parallel of Cape Town,, with a slight northerly breeze, logging 5 kn. Ideal sailing conditions and very much appreciated by all.
All of much improved and enjoying his 7 to 11 and 15 to 1900 watches, which he has steadfastly maintained throughout all his stomach trials. the middle day watch 11 to 15:00 hours is taken by one of the other three of us, as well as they made watches. Watch keeping consists of steering the catch, by compass, trimming the sheets and guy ropes as necessary, watching for wind and weather changes, and calling the skipper. There is a deep toned bell attached to be Oregon pine mizzen mass above the compass; also a whistle for us to use in case the wind is too strong for those down below to hear the bell. The watch going rings 1 Bell to call his relief. A succession of rings repeatedly slowly means "all hands on deck at time to get dressed". A succession of rapid rings means "all hands on deck stop emergency stop come as you are, naked or otherwise", which usually indicates a rapidly approaching squall or the immediate necessity of shortening canvas for some other reason. So far on this voyage the emergency signal has not yet been sounded.
Today we are 500 miles west of Tristan da Cunha, and well behind schedule.
The fresh food is nearly all gone. We have now left list:
Potatoes - 2/3 weeks but they are going bad quicker than we can eat them.
Onions - 2/3 weeks wearing well
Pumpkins - 2
Oranges - 2
Lemons - 3/4 days
Cucumbers - 2
Sweet potatoes - 5
Today we had "Heintz"canned steak and kidney pie, with fresh potatoes not at all bad.
Took out storm sails for overhaul and drying.
Looks like our albatrosses have left us evidently as we did not continue to feed them on pâté!
Trolling for fish. No Catch.
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