Log Entry No 21 - 28th Jan 08. (Discoverer)

FROM THE CAPTAINS CABIN

It’s hard beating up wind, against a bitterly cold rough sea, into the wind funnel created between two islands. So, it’s a great relief now to be able to tell you that the Northerly Gale has become a Westerly Force 6 and we are storming home at almost 10 knots, with just 600 miles to go. Antarctic meteorology is a baffling science for even though the barometer plummeted yesterday, 17 points in 12 hours, we’ve still got relatively stable conditions – long may they continue! I’m writing this wedged into the corner of the chart table, with Conor, Louise and Chris(snoring) propped up around me.

Discoverer under sail.

So, what have we been up to? Talking of plunging barometers, we had an exciting time in Port Lockroy early on Friday morning when the wind suddenly increased to 45 knots. We soon began to drag our tandem anchors and, as the wind and depth alarms shrieked, it was all hands on deck to get the anchors up and drive Discoverer away from the shallow lee shore. Alongside us Barque Europa was having the same problem, threatening to get tangled up with our ground tackle at any moment. As the depth gauge told me that we had just 2.6 m under the keel, Discoverer managed to swing her nose through the wind and we were able to motor away from danger. It was a long night.

Barque Europa.

Several of you e-mailed to remind us that Friday was Burns Night so, after our mundane bowl of pasta slops, we hit upon a plan. To the radio:

“Hello all yachts Port Lockroy, this is Discoverer. It’s Burns Night. We invite you for drinks aboard from 2200 hrs. Dress warm and smelly. Bring a bottle and glasses.”

With the message reinforced by a be-kilted, bag pipe playing, Dick, it wasn’t long before we had a multinational throng aboard enjoying the festivities. And this being a Scottish event, I’m pleased to tell you that our generous guests made an impressive donation to our meagre wine cellar. Yes, dear reader, we made a profit!

Next morning we got up early to pick up the shore teams: The (very wet) ski tourers from Anvers Island, followed by the geological party from Base Brown in Paradise Harbour. Both had enjoyed good trips, but were pleased to be getting back aboard for the journey home.

Inflatable operations.

So, here we are “westering home” with an expected arrival in the Falklands towards the end of the week. On account of the weather, we decided to miss Deception Island, so we’ll save that for next time! Oh …. almost forgot ….. saw a pod of Orcas yesterday:

Orca.

With best wishes from us all, Andy Mills