Today's letter from Jonathan:
Believe that mast is actually alright and it was a big scare. David Tyler the junk rig guru, currently in NZ says that his mast graunched similarly until he was able to get spartite between the mast bottom and the spigot on the base plate. Coming off the continental shelf was pretty rough and it was not the sailing force but the boat being thrown around. However, all scares can be difficult if you're on your own, as you indeed know from your first qualifying attempt.
I am currently as close hauled as I reasonably can be. In a junk rig boat it generally pays to bear away and gain boat speed. However, at this moment actually making 210 true at 3 kts which I think is acceptable. If I am find that I can only make east of south then I shall tack and see what I make.
I have a copy of Peter Hill's account of his transatlantic Jester in a 22 foot junk. You may care to look at the Jester web site. He came via the Azores and at this stage was east of me. I have his days postions on a chart. Mind you he is the junk seafarer, married to Annie Hill. www.jesterinfo.org/petehilljc.html worth a look.
I have no information about the race other than the snippets that I get from you and Jane.
Where is Foula Jane told me some days ago that he was only a few miles away but he did not appear on AIS or as a light and I could not raise him on VHF. Stealth boat!
What is the story on poor Paul Brand? Jane says he has pneumonia.
Currently engine charging which is still taking almost two hours per day. I daren't use the towed generator because the ammeter is swinging the wrong way and I need to prove that it is just the ammeter wired the wrong way round and not a cross over of the feed and return. So that will have to wait until harbour.
Please keep the info and suggestions coming. text is still good because this comp will only go on once a day or less.
Tomorrow one week, inshaallah, and soon after that maybe about half way, DV.
Fresh spring green, carrots and pots tonight and tomorrow before they go off. Spam tonight with.
Cravendale filtered milk highly recommended. Still fresh and staying fresh when opened. Good coffee and tea.
When I have done the midday log entry etc I consider opening one of the family's red cross parcels or cards still on board from the OSTAR. However, if I don't feel the need I am keeping them in reserve. So far, Kendal Mint Cake "For that Everest Moment" one day and mixed fruit and nuts on another. I opened the Life is Good squeeze ball with the smiley face previously , also the monkey neck cushion. Both look at me. Monkey is dressed in Beeley the dog's lifejacket.
Things could be worse.
Just reread Paul Heiney, Last Man Across the Atlantic, for the umpteenth time. Very good.
Very relevant and helpful.
Yours aye;
Snod