I’m starting with a picture of my favourite toy, I mean equipment, – my EFOY – a methane-powered fuel cell. I’m sharing it as it may come in handy this week with the weather that we are expecting. I’ll be able to use it for power for comms if my solar panels aren’t producing enough power. By using my portable solar panel for a few weeks I’ve been able to conserve the use of this unit and so power shouldn’t be a problem for a while (hopefully for the duration).
The winds have died right down now in the proverbial “calm before the storm”, and like the other crews I am making preparations. To start, I’ve been pushing hard the last 4 days to get into as favourable a position as I can. The recent calm seas and warm temperatures have given me a chance to dry out a few pieces of kit on the deck, and to open the vent to the cabin (it’s been 40°C and up lately in there) and let the cabin get less wet (dry remains a dream). I’ve been storing things I won’t need away, and getting necessary supplies into the cabin, where I’m likely to be for a few days.
The forecast suggests that things start to pick up from Monday, peaking Tuesday/Wednesday, and settling down by Friday. Forecasts change. But it looks likely that this will mean about 4 days of not rowing this week, with para anchor out and hanging on for some big waves. I’m going to try to add a few more miles overnight and early in the morning as a last push.
Good news – my second (which is also now my last) auto helm has revived enough to weather calm seas. Sadly it is most needed in big seas, but I am very grateful for what it’s got.
Thanks for all your support!
Keep going Gore! Sounds like you are making excellent progress. We will pray for moderate weather ahead! Love from all this end! Fries and family
Good luck Greg, we are all thinking of you, hang in there You can do this.
Hunker down during the storm and try to recover some of your strength for the days after the storm. Winds seem very favorable after the storm!