MW Ship's Log May 16 - Genius is as genius does

Dateline: 10:00 A.M. Wednesday May 17

Status:
165 nm traversed on Day 1 of the Sao Miguel => Cascais, Portugal passage. It's been mostly sail and little motor since departing the Azores 24 hours before.

I'd like to take this opportunity to make a correction to the last post. I may have inadvertently created the false impression that only one of the crew had a hangover as we departed Ponta Delgada Marina. This is incorrect. The correct count was three hangovers and one sleep deprived zombie who was probably too jet-lagged to notice that he was also hung-over. The general consensus was that Phillip's coffee concoction, although delicious, was a mistake. Interesting to note, regardless of crew condition, I found the departure to be our smoothest, easiest, least stress inducing de-docking marina exit yet. Make of that what you will.

As a statistical footnote: Bob traversed 11,000 miles and nine airports during his 40 hour jaunt to California and back. We're glad to have the crew again complete and back on a four man watch rotation.

Discussions continue on how Bob should make up his four missing watches during the Faial to Sao Miguel passage. Some feel he should simply stand a an eight hour watch and get it over with. I believe that would be too punitive and am advocating a different scheme - each of us can play the "Bob card" for one watch during the rest of the passage. Felling a little too warm and comfy in your bunk when it is time for that 3:00 AM watch? Just roll over and say - "Let Bob do it."

The first day sailing from Sao Miguel was essentially a re-run of the departure from Faial. Nice easy sail in sunshine traversing the South coast of the isle.

Smooth seas, favorable winds, lots of birds and interesting sights on the verdant island rolling past our port beam.

Then we emerge from the protective shadow of the island. Mixed currents, shifting, gusty winds from 18-26 knots, squalls, and heavy confused swells. Lot's of bouncing around and the crew mostly below deck when not on watch. Double reefed and no jib most of the way. Still picked up 165 miles.

Most Interesting Sight We Did Not See:
We passed within 30 miles of Ferrelgas - An active volcano that rises over 9,000 feet from the floor of the ocean to within 10 feet of the surface.

Dinner:
Deb's delicious Texas hash for those who trusted their stomachs at dinner time. Otherwise - Ramen Noodles.

Quote of the Day:
"I feel like a genius for deciding to stay in port last night." Captain Jim basking in the sunshine, enjoying the perfect sailing conditions just before we emerge from the protective sheltering effect of Saint Michael Island.

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