02’20.3N 030’47.1W
5 kn course 170′
Swimstop in de the doldrums!
We have fully hit the doldrums now! Showers all around, no wind and then some increase in wind when the showers come by. Rain is like a blanket that covers you and engulfs you completely. Washing your hair outside in the rain is possible, as long as you start straight away! So rain showers it is!
We have started to rig our new mainsail again, mizzen is already done, so that by the time we get out of the doldrums and into the trade winds, we can sail close hauled with our better set of sails! We do this work at noon, after lunch, so we can do the heavy lifting with the two watches. While working hard in the full sun, we got the mainsail unfolded along the gaff, but we also got very warm… and what better way to cool down, then by taking a swim!
And that is what we did! engine in neutral, lifeline overboard and over the side we went! At a depth of 3000 meters, with nothing in sight and clearest possible water below us, we were drifting and playing around in the middle of the ocean!
Other then that, it was a busy day with maintenance on the rigging. As we have all sails down, with no wind, we can reach all the lines and work on some anti shaving and anti wear on the lines. Also the rubber in the shoe did not hold very long, so we replaced it with leather again. Hoping this will hold a little longer! With this new course we will be having, a close hauled, the spots where it wears, will be very different as well.
Another 140 miles before we meet neptune..!
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