Crew Blog

Feeding 17 at 30° or the mother of all watches!!!

29 May 2008

Looking at the sea state today, it is unconceivable that 48 hours ago we were living at a 30 degree angle upstairs as revealed by Doris’s blog and picture, but also below decks in the galley.

The scene there was far less glamorous at over 35° C and close to 100% humidity. The drama experienced by the on deck crew was more than equalled by the two sweating galley slaves who were trying to keep the hungry stomachs filled and the boat clean and in a liveable state.

My partner, new on this leg, had to make frequent trips up the companion way and over the side, leaving me fighting with the laws of gravity on my own for long periods of time. At times I had a mixture of flying flour, pistachio nuts, margarine, eggs and various fluids like coffee, tea and hot chocolate smeared together in the lowermost corner of the work surface. The floor did not look much better and was so slippery that it felt more like negotiating an icy surface had it not been for the prevailing temperatures.

I never thought I would not be seasick in these conditions but I now firmly believe that seasickness is a state of mind rather than a balance disorder. While busy and occupied with no choice in the matter but to get on with it, there is no room for nausea and the rest.

The outcome of my efforts was reflected in the shape of the bread and cakes that appeared from the oven definitely looking distinctively slanted.

I would not really like to repeat the experience but despite the exhaustion felt at the time a sense of achievement prevails.

So long

Jurgen