…stole is the wind again!

Since last night, 2245 all sails are down and MaRe is drifting. As an additional punishment, the monkey poured also some rain us. Not long but I needed to move from the cockpit inside and sit at the navigation desk.

Now the sun is out again and his light colored the few clouds above an almost glassy sea.

Yesterday, we heard over the whole day that there are conversations on VHF CH69, the ship-ship channel, Ralf and I agreed upon for communication. It was partially annoying because we could not hear a human voice but only electronically noise. As this was heard all day long with little sound improvements in the afternoon, I was wondering what why a boat follows us and is edging closer.

It was Tjasa who first saw, at the beginning of her watch, a light at the horizon. Verification at the radar showed that there is something at a distance of a bit more than 12 NM, and the object doesn’t move. We assumed it’s an
drilling platform. Now in early morning light, and only at a distance of 2 NM, I can see through my Minox marine binoculars, that it is a sea floor exploring ship. These ships are stationary. I just wonder why they don’t send an AIS signal.

When I called the ship on VHF CH69, I only got a not understandable answer. Could not even recognize the language the other side was speaking. Now the fantasies about the origin and real purpose of this ship can start.

It’s still early. Beside me, all others are still in bed. Most likely Tjasa will come out next. Her watch ended at 1100, Dennis’ watch ended only at 0300, thus he ‘ll sleep a bit longer.

What will this 7th day at sea bring us?