Here you can read the latest diaries on the Sea Stallion's voyage to Dublin.

July 5th, 2007

Published 16th Aug 2007

Tack room:

(Moving the tack) Hitherto we have had a clew tackle fastened to the sail on either side of the beitiáss (the boom holding the tack) and one person on each, one person on the beitiáss-tackle, one for the fastening pins on the ássdrengar (the ropes holding the beitiáss in in place in longitudinal direction) and one to move the beitiáss to leeward. Altogether 4-5 people.

We have now tried a new procedure in which only two people are occupied with the clew tackle, the ássdrengar and the tacking boom tackle, while a third man helps to move the beitiáss.

The two other people tighten the tackles and set them fast, after which they take the one ássdreng out and then man the clew tackles. If the tack is to go forward, it is to be taken in at the clew tackle in front of the sail, while it is eased off at the one abaft the sail. The third man takes the beitiáss out of the leading wind hole to leeward and moves it to the close-hauled hole.

(Other manoeuvres) Across Kattegat and Skagerak we sailed on the run and on the dead run. On both courses we began to work on trimming the sail via the tack rope.

It happened a couple of times that the sail began to back when the ship got off course because it is difficult to steer in the high waves. By hauling forward in the tack rope on the side where the sail begins to flap, we can avoid serious backing of the sail that can otherwise prove disastrous. The manouevre requires close coordination, particularly with the shrouds, but also the braces and the head-braces have to help along if the ship comes off the course that the sail has been trimmed to.

 

Midship room:

(Other manoeuvres) We decided to take the lowest prier (rope pulling the centre of the sail towards the mast) off because in practice it has turned out to be of very little use and mostly in the way. In a strong wind we would in any case have reefed right up to the prior. We have more than ample cordage already so this will help a little.

 

Halyard room:

(Other manoeuvres) We pumped out the ship this morning, about 400 strokes, rainwater from the night’s heavy rainfall.

(Provisioning) There has not been enough dinner either Tuesday or Wednesday evening!!

(Atmosphere) In general a good atmosphere in spite of the lousy weather.

(Watches and rest) It is difficult to get good sleeping places. We must work at it.

(Tacking) Is the tack to be tied down with clew tackles in a light wind? We don’t think it is necessary.

(Setting and lowering sail) The deadeyes that are used for downhauling are large, heavy and clumsy to work with but they give a good possibility for making fast. In our opinion it is as if they don’t fit in with the rest of the “style” of the ship. They are in glaring contrast with the design of everything else!

 

Stern room:

At the room-meeting on 5/7 we discussed the following:

(Setting and lowering sail) We have frequently noticed that pauses occur when setting the sail because the sail is held fast by the many heaving ropes etc.

(Moving the tack) Really good cooperation with the “fore-braces”. Two men m/f were ready and waiting to help the “after-braces” with all kinds of manoeuvres, e.g. back-wind.

(Safety) We are good at reminding each other that the safety jacket should fit correctly, that we shall say if we are getting ill/ tired/ superfluous so that others can take over. This helps our common safety. Good sailing is clearly revealed if we are in good form and it is equal to good safety.

(Watches and rest) Just try and turn off the rain!

(Provisioning) The dry food, that is the freeze-dried food, works well, particularly with a couple of rounds of rye bread to go with it!

There is rather too much meat in the dinners some think! 2 pots of meat to one of rice!! More equal portions would be a good idea.

Apples and carrots are just the thing! Preferably a couple of times a day!

(Atmosphere) The atmosphere is good but our “Starfish” had better not compose many more verses. We have heard too much!

(Personal equipment) We have on average brought less personal gear with us, but more woollies and more little things. 


Created by Claus Laage-Thomsen