Current Position: 17 44.318’S 168 18.643’E; Local Timezone: UTC+21; SOG: 0 kt COG: N/A; TWS: 5 kt; TWD: 92; Distance to Waypoint (Vanuatu, Efata, Port Vila): At Anchor; Total Miles Sailed: 6941 nm; Engine Hours: 164 Estimate Fuel: 60+15+50
Comments: Time is waining. I woke up at 2:00 and responded to the ABF with some more information they required. I went back to sleep about 4:30 and woke up just before dawn. I took the laundry and then went to the Port Authority to pay my port fees (I need a receipt to get the Zarpe tomorrow ). When I returned I made a lashing for the forward hatch cover to keep it in place in high seas. Then I took an inventory of the things that need to be repaired on the sail pack (zipper sewn, terminal support lines need to be replaced, etc.). Not wanting to deal with the hassle of removing the sail pack, I repaired it in place. I then took an inventory of the issues with the rigging and other hardware. I checked to make sure all the screws, nuts, and bolts were tight. I replaced a screw on a stanchion by drilling through and placing a bolt. Once I was sure all the repairs were complete, I put away all the tools and supplies. I reorganized by cups, dishes and pots to pair them down to what I actually use so I can store the extras in the inaccessible space behind the stove and have better access to the things I use routinely. I disposed of spent oil and filled the main water tank (20 gal since Tonga. The boat is 95% ready. Tomorrow is about settling bills, getting the Zarpe, and provisioning with fuel and food. I have to wait to get the fuel until tomorrow to get duty-free (saving about 20%). It is 14:00. My last job on my list for today is programming the chart recorder with waypoints to navigate through the Great Barrier Reef … a non-trivial task. I am using “Ken’s Torres Strait Passage Guide” to follow the southerly “Raine Island Route” (vs. the northerly “Bramble Kay Route”). The route is 80 nm long. The first waypoint R1 is at 11 37.400’S 144 03.900’E, a point between Raine Island and Detached Reef about 1500 nm away from Port Vila.
Comments: Time is waining. I woke up at 2:00 and responded to the ABF with some more information they required. I went back to sleep about 4:30 and woke up just before dawn. I took the laundry and then went to the Port Authority to pay my port fees (I need a receipt to get the Zarpe tomorrow ). When I returned I made a lashing for the forward hatch cover to keep it in place in high seas. Then I took an inventory of the things that need to be repaired on the sail pack (zipper sewn, terminal support lines need to be replaced, etc.). Not wanting to deal with the hassle of removing the sail pack, I repaired it in place. I then took an inventory of the issues with the rigging and other hardware. I checked to make sure all the screws, nuts, and bolts were tight. I replaced a screw on a stanchion by drilling through and placing a bolt. Once I was sure all the repairs were complete, I put away all the tools and supplies. I reorganized by cups, dishes and pots to pair them down to what I actually use so I can store the extras in the inaccessible space behind the stove and have better access to the things I use routinely. I disposed of spent oil and filled the main water tank (20 gal since Tonga. The boat is 95% ready. Tomorrow is about settling bills, getting the Zarpe, and provisioning with fuel and food. I have to wait to get the fuel until tomorrow to get duty-free (saving about 20%). It is 14:00. My last job on my list for today is programming the chart recorder with waypoints to navigate through the Great Barrier Reef … a non-trivial task. I am using “Ken’s Torres Strait Passage Guide” to follow the southerly “Raine Island Route” (vs. the northerly “Bramble Kay Route”). The route is 80 nm long. The first waypoint R1 is at 11 37.400’S 144 03.900’E, a point between Raine Island and Detached Reef about 1500 nm away from Port Vila.