Tallship Sailing Holidays | South Pacific Sailing Adventure

V339 Vanuatu to New Caledonia 2011- Marsha's Vlog No. 3

Openwater sailing - downwind from Tanna to Noumea

There is nothing more dramatic than plunging through the South Pacific on an old wooden square-rigger during an intense thunder and lightning storm. The 12 - 4 watch got to experience such a scene (and a few of us who woke up during the downpour) last night. Big fat blobs of water fell from the sky at an alarming rate as forks of lightning lit up the ominous clouds around us. The bright flashes were followed by the chest thumping sound of thunder. Oddly enough during all this, the wind died. Barely a breath of a breeze to be had.

As I ran around down below shutting hatches and sopping up rain water that had dripped onto the floor, the deck above me was alive with the sound of feet running back and forth taking in sails. Every now and then a bolt of lightning would strike the water near the ship and laughter and sounds of amazement rang out from above my head. While I was in the galley checking on the state of things, the brightest light I have ever witnessed came down not 20 meters from the ship it was followed by a sound comparable to a bullet being fired from a gun at close range. The sound emanating from Mitch was almost as loud.

I climbed back into my bunk as the engine came on and the scent of the vanilla bean I bought in Tonga and attached to my bunk fan was mixed with the warm and inviting smell of fresh baked bread coming from the galley above. The smell was intoxicating.

While we’re at sea the 12-4 watch bakes the bread each night and it’s tradition for them to bake an extra loaf for themselves. To celebrate their end of watch they devour it hot out of the oven dripping with melted butter with a tote of rum to wash it down. Andrew has proven to be a most expert baker. His bread is divine. This mornings loafs however held an extra treat inside… It seems that sausages were baked into some loaves. A shock to Sione as he sliced it to make toast for breakfast.

Vila- Noumea Map

Back in my bunk the regularity of flashes coming through my skylight seemed to be increasing. It was like a strobe light at some ridiculous all night dance club but without the obnoxious “oomph oomph” beats being played at ear splitting level.

All in all it was a pretty sweet way for Mitch to kick off his seventeenth year. Yes our little cabin boy is growing up. It should be mentioned though that on his last day of being sixteen he thought he’d get back into pranking people. In his efforts he managed to slice his thumb open with his rig knife which he is almost obsessive about keeping sharp. Personally I think he just wanted to get out of washing dishes for a few days.

Mutch

Today is full of jokes and jabs at Mitch as he tries to celebrate being another year older. Myself and Rene performed a song (to the tune of “The Wild Rover“) outlining all the mischief young Mitch has gotten himself into over the past few months. Laughter has never been so loud in the Saloon, I’m sure of it.

We’re just coming into New Caledonia now and we’re antsy to see another country and another culture. Some of the crew have been practicing their fake French accents and brushing up on the little French they know. (Je voulez un cheeseburger. Brilliant indeed…)

Till next time, Fair Winds my Friends

Marsha Book, Purser

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