Hello and goodbye La Palma!

We came on watch at 4 AM, the winds did relent a little they were still very brisk. We were on the final approach to La Palma, a very interesting island with the volcano that if it erupts, the whole side of a huge mountain some 500 cubic km collapses into the Ocean, will cause a mega tsunami in the Atlantic. We then started motoring up and down as it is forbidden to anchor in the Canary Islands.

Then it happened, two or three stronger gusts healed the boat over considerably. I have spoken to Chris one of the other watch leaders who was on the bridge at the time. We healed right over so that the rail was on the water. Chris also says that Darren maintained a fantastic professional calm. He alone was able to keep standing as the ship deck was at a 43° angle. Prior to the windy weather he made sure that the bosun Beth and Ted who were up the rigging at the time stayed on the first platform did not attempt to go out on the yards.

The ship then set course for Tenerife. My watch was between 6 and 8 PM and I was togged up in my wet weather gear. Watch leader Pete had already told me that I would not be required to helm as that would be too difficult for me using the audio compass. When I staggered up to the chart room just below the bridge, first mate Trevor then said I shouldn’t go on the bridge and so respecting his professional opinion I retreated back to my bunk.