Tasman Day 4

Dawn watch

 A busy night.

Winds going light & variable after midnight made for multiple tacks & gybes, with the engine on & off to suit. Then a broken main-traveller line (replaced), lost bimini bolt (replaced), and finally a broken steering chain (fixed during the morning) - what next?

All cares blown away by a glorious dawn, though, and ideal conditions developing for the assymetric spinnaker, up by midday. After brekkie of course, which can't be rushed.

Tassy sunrise

Dipping the Southern Cross

A gloriously warm & sunny summer Sunday, too, so a couple of beers were allowed with lunch to celebrate fixing the steering gear. Then time to ceremoniously drop the Aussie ensign. It seemed only right, with the VB flowing.

The wind had now backed (as expected) and picked up to 290/15 kts, which meant the autopilot went off and everyone had a chance to practise their steering technique in a following sea. Great fun, but concentration needed.

Pause for pics...

Phil steering

Tiny concentrating

Matt with head on fire...

Steering fix #1

More steering fix #1

Sunday celebratory beers

Needless to say, this bliss couldn't last. Within 10 minutes of our tame Viking taking the helm (he's a big lad, it has to be said), the starboard steering chain broke again. And at another link, so no fixing it this time.

Tasman assy'

The wind continued to back & build (now 25 kts), forcing us off track to the north, first 075 degs (at 1600) to 050 degs (2100). The seas were building too, as we approached the Wanganella Bank, just 70 nm to the East. And they were forecast to build further to 6 m as the trough eventually rattled through, leaving a strong SE'ly.

Perhaps time to review our options?

You can't just pull over into the nearest lay-by or service station when you're crossing an ocean.

Or can't you? Norfolk Island anyone...?