Race 5 - Day 18
Crew Diary - Race 5 - Day 18
09 January
Finding Nemo
Since we have been many days at sea it was recently decided by our Mothers for the day, Susan and Ingo, that it was high time that we adopted a boat pet. The Skipper’s attempts to talk to dolphins having lasted only a few minutes, and Albatross being strictly off limits we opted for the fairground classic - a carrot cut into the shape of a fish and hung in a clear bag full of water. Pleased with their efforts (and in a sudden burst of creativity) Susan and Ingo named our new crew member Nemo.
An instant hit with the crew: daily rotas were changed to accommodate a feeding schedule, there was debate as to whether Nemo needed a friend - Anne even swears that he spoke to her. We were a happy boat.
Sadly Readers, disaster struck, as the morning watch emerged bleary eyed for breakfast in the Australian sun - Nemo was nowhere to be found. A frantic search was led by watch leader Mary, but the conclusion was inescapable - someone had disposed of Nemo. Our treasured boat pet of 24 hours had been cruelly taken from us.
After some initial accusations and with emotions running high the sensible course, for the sake of boat harmony, was to have a full enquiry so that the guilty party could be identified. Following the Skipper’s reports during happy hour the rest of the time was given over to this matter of utmost gravity.
The list of suspects was long: Ingo - another bet, with Ryan (as yet unspecified) but the loser was required to eat Nemo when we docked - maybe he decided to remove this Damoclean threat early? Rizza (possibly in contusion with partner in crime Josie) - committed vegetarian, known snacker and eater of carrots, clearly a threat vegetable-kind - maybe she got hungry during the night? Johanas - well known as having the driest sense of humour amongst the crew - perhaps a joke that got out of hand? Andres - our Team Coordinator, master of organisation and rotas - maybe he disapproved of the changes in boat tasks and amendments made to his schedules necessary to accommodate our newest crew member? Raj, as one of the better cooks on the boat - ever on the search for fresh ingredients, was also considered a prime suspect.
Following thorough but ultimately fruitless debate, Andrew (the Doc) and I, appointed interchangeably as prosecution and enquiry chairman decided that the culprit could only fairly be identified by the people- so it was put to the crew. Following his complaints that the process was unfair, the majority decided (primarily on this basis) that Ingo was the guilty party. A sudden need to tack the boat meant that proceedings were concluded early before sentence could be passed. Given the lack of fresh vegetables on board it was determined that Ingo could return to deck duties on parole.
A day of high emotion on PDE.
PS- Cath has asked for a mention to family and friends that she is bostin’ (recognising that only her and I are able to translate this in our small world of 17 people).
PPS- to concerned Leg 3’ers- Gary has not made an appearance since Fremantle - the plot thickens.