Dog watch

14 March 2015

Update of Friday March 13th, by Sieb:
“Friday 13th does not promise to be a lucky day. Last night the wind changed suddenly over 180 degrees and decreased to zero. According to the grib files we had to expect this sudden change. This ended some days of beautiful sailing wherein the Old Lady sailed like a FD (= Flying Dutchman, a formerly Olympic open sailing boat), overhanging in the wind, 5 to 6 Bft, smoothly moving in the waves, speed 8 to 9 knots. At this moment we use the ‘iron sails’. Sitting on deck in a lovely sun, in the long ocean swell, is not a punishment. The watch has an easy job because the helmsman is automatic and the watchers lookout and/or watch. The dog watch from 16:00 to 20:00 (where one also does 4:00 to 8:00) is the finest watch because you see sunset and sunrise. If you go to bed directly after dinner at 20:00, you have a reasonable long night until they wake you up at 3:45. After breakfast the day is yours. The coming days we will sail in a high pressure area with little wind. So the iron sail will be standing by. “The wind gives, to catch is to have.” But only when there is any!”