Current Position: 10 25.727’S 105 40.010’E; Local Timezone: UTC+7; SOG: 0 kt; COG: N/A; TWS: 19 kt; TWD: 135; Distance to Waypoint (Christmas Island): At Anchor; Total Miles Sailed: 11071 nm; Engine Hours: 242; Estimate Fuel: 51+11+50;
Comments: i went diving in the afternoon. There is plenty of live coral here and fish. I was told not to spearfish on this side of the jetty, but I am allowed to in the other side. I saw a lot of large parrot fish that would make a good meal. I had dinner at a place called Rumah Tinggi, Malay for “Tall House.” The view was fantastic. Two new sailboats arrived this morning. They were buddy boating and heading to the Cocos in 2-3 days. I pressed hard to repair the mainsail today, knowing it will take at least two days. I replaced the webbing for four of the fifteen slugs, then took a break. I took a swim for about 20m, then went to a local tavern that has a special on cheeseburgers. I got the burger (which was very tasty) and a beer for $20 AU, which is about $15 US. A real bargain when an equivalent amount of meat from the store was the same price. The owner explained that they do not have a full-time cook, rather the locals chip in each day to make something they like. It’s pizza tomorrow … may go again. I took a drive before returning to work … saw my first red crab, when to a nearby overlook … saw my first red crab crossing the road and a huge golden orb spider. I got back to the boat about 13:30, repaired three more of the regular slugs and the special one at the head of the sail, leaving only seven more regular slugs, which are at the bottom half of the sail. Some of them look in good shape (probably because I almost always have at least one reef in. However, they all looked good when I started, so I am determined to replace them all. Also, while I put an anti-chafing sheath on the first reefing line, I noticed the second reefing line is chafing. It does not get near the pressure of the first line, but it has seen a lot of use. I am concerned that I do not have enough of the right sized line to replace it. I may need to splice, which will be tricky. I had some small-diameter Kevlar tubing around. I may be able to put a piece in right where the line is chafing and extend its utility. I made a mutton curry tonight, enough for two meals. The mutton was about the only protein besides tofu (which I also bought) at the store.
Comments: i went diving in the afternoon. There is plenty of live coral here and fish. I was told not to spearfish on this side of the jetty, but I am allowed to in the other side. I saw a lot of large parrot fish that would make a good meal. I had dinner at a place called Rumah Tinggi, Malay for “Tall House.” The view was fantastic. Two new sailboats arrived this morning. They were buddy boating and heading to the Cocos in 2-3 days. I pressed hard to repair the mainsail today, knowing it will take at least two days. I replaced the webbing for four of the fifteen slugs, then took a break. I took a swim for about 20m, then went to a local tavern that has a special on cheeseburgers. I got the burger (which was very tasty) and a beer for $20 AU, which is about $15 US. A real bargain when an equivalent amount of meat from the store was the same price. The owner explained that they do not have a full-time cook, rather the locals chip in each day to make something they like. It’s pizza tomorrow … may go again. I took a drive before returning to work … saw my first red crab, when to a nearby overlook … saw my first red crab crossing the road and a huge golden orb spider. I got back to the boat about 13:30, repaired three more of the regular slugs and the special one at the head of the sail, leaving only seven more regular slugs, which are at the bottom half of the sail. Some of them look in good shape (probably because I almost always have at least one reef in. However, they all looked good when I started, so I am determined to replace them all. Also, while I put an anti-chafing sheath on the first reefing line, I noticed the second reefing line is chafing. It does not get near the pressure of the first line, but it has seen a lot of use. I am concerned that I do not have enough of the right sized line to replace it. I may need to splice, which will be tricky. I had some small-diameter Kevlar tubing around. I may be able to put a piece in right where the line is chafing and extend its utility. I made a mutton curry tonight, enough for two meals. The mutton was about the only protein besides tofu (which I also bought) at the store.