Crew Reflections
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BNM reflections
Recollections So many times, blue sparkling water and a white bow wave seen through a porthole --- with the boat slipping through the water effortlessly towards the distant shore, under the benign influence of the trade winds.
A similiar feeling each afternoon end , with a pink wreathed sky in the West as backcloth to the purposeful bow , flanked on either side by the boomed wings of the cruising chute spinnaker and/or genoa/staysail.
The easy rhythmic agenda of the day, shared in harmony with the other four complementary personalities aboard, --- each with a different humour
and contribution to make. --- a team !!. The warmth of the air, ---- and the coolness of the breeze under the shade of the bimini. The daily agenda --- sail changes ,
very often at the beginning of the day as the wind direction and strength changes, or shortly before nightfall to snug down for the night watches.The post - tea game of bridge. The evening meal --- never less than a sophisticated affair assisted by the extra-ordinary stability of the boat in the following winds. The midnight calculation of the day's run , following the lat/long plot, with average speed to date , and thence distance and time still to go.!!, Contentment at around 6.0 knots but gloom and regret at the occasional poorer performance.
Contentment each passing day, and a lively appreciation of the endlessly changing forms and mood of the sea, __ coupled with wonder at the seemingly effortless competence of the boat in meeting each changing situation. A wonderful experience!! BNM
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Luis's reflections
Original Version
Ha sido un placer compartir con estos señores tan simpáticos estos
días de tan agradable paseo por el mar. Creo que finalmente han quedado convencidos de que :
- Gibraltar debe de ser nuestro.
- Lo de la armada invencible (1588) fue un problema de vientos y no de strategia militar.
- el bridge sería mucho más divertido con menos normas de etiqueta y pudiendo mentir de vez en cuando (la
implantación del mus lo dejo para el próximo viaje).
-No hay nada más adecuado para una buena comida en el barco que una buena tortilla
Española.
-Los "watches " están totalmente pasados de moda y deben de suprimirse formalmente.
-Una cierta dosis de sangre Latina puede combinarse con éxito (en las adecuadas proporciones) con las
más frías de latitudes más septentrionales.
Rough Translation
It has been a pleasure to spend this time with these very nice men on our sea voyage. I think that I have finally convinced them that:
- Gibraltar should be ours
- the loss of the Spanish Armada (1588) was a problem of winds, not military strategy
- bridge would be much more fun with less conventions and a little more lying (I'll teach them "mus" on the next trip)
- there is nothing better to eat on a boat than a good Spanish omelet
- "watches" are out of fashion and should be formally cancelled going forward
- a certain dose of Latin blood can mix very successfully (in the right proportions) with the colder blood of more northern latitudes.
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Reflections Brian
A journey of a lifetime - earlier generations have traveled this route to emigrate to explore and trade. The Trade Winds , when there was only sail, .they would have been busy highways; and now only yachtsmen use this area of the Southern Atlantic. It has been a privilege to sail in these waters where almost constant SE to NE winds blow for 3000 miles. The sea has been vigorous but kind, full of life and energy. Seatern has slipped through these seas with grace, speed and with mostly only a faint swish of sound. Every day a different gourmet meal, plenty fresh water for showering and even fresh bread, what luxury! Thanks Barry for your careful planning. Every additional item which you have carefully chosen to be on board has been used to ensure the efficient and comfortable operation of Seatern.
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Bob's Comments
I was surprised by how quickly the time passed, with never a dull moment, and by how benign the conditions were for most of our passage. The design, outfitting and equipment of Seatern inspired my complete confidence at all times, as well as ensuring maximum comfort!
I have greatly enjoyed the company of my companions, each of whom has made a special contribution to the success of the trip, and I have valued the harmony and good humor which have been the watchwords of the group.
I must make mention of the work of our principal chef, Matthew, who has consistently been inspired to produce outstanding meals, which have made innovative use of all the ingredients to hand and which have never failed to boost morale.
The trip could not have happened without BNM's determination, detailed planning and careful preparation, which combined to ensure a safe, fast and happy passage. It has been a real privilege to have been a part of this particular dream.
1) Concluding Thoughts 2) Lots of data 3) Crew Reflections....
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