13 jan 17

http://www.sailingworld.com/angles-attack?src=SOC&dom=fb#page-3

12 Jan 17

http://www.yachtingworld.com/gear-reviews/how-well-does-your-lifejacket-work-we-put-3-offshore-models-to-the-test-102591

Day 38-Art or Sailing?

In our excitement in reaching the destination and the moroseness of the completion of the voyage also onset of some more challenging days prevented us from updating the blog for past few days here is a quick recap

We had some neighbours going past us for a while like a flock of albatross which are quite a sight for any observant birdwatcher, they sit on surface of sea when the swell is quite high like ducks (probably even take a nap) while taking rest and when they take a flight they hardly ever flap their wings even while flying against the strongest of winds as if giving a message when facing difficulties in life,sit over it and think and when you face it do it without fluttering.

The next set of neighbours were a school of dolphins. usually, the dolphins which are our frequent visitors out number and overtake us every time they visit. This time around they outnumbered us by thousands visible over a range of 2 miles they were in no hurry and overtook us sploshing singing and flipping on the sea busy in their gymnastics they came quite close to Mhadei as if welcoming her into African waters.
We also witnessed a full moon night at sea which got us all philosopical Dreamy and poetic.

One of the  mornings these days got the sleepy heads who were off watch to wake up early and all gizmo gadget freaks working their magic on the laptops camera mic and speakers as we got into a video chat with our great godfather Vice Admiral Manohar Awati(Retd) happy to see us as we were happy to see him as we exchaged plesantaries and shared news of happenings of the world on either side.

In our last post readers could witness some fine poetry by our amateur poet shou which got us into discussing  what fine arts we wanted to pursue when we were young

VJ philosophically says she always thought she would become a poet people who know her can agree to it as her mother has written some lovely poems for Mhadei which we will publish one of these days

Jammy thought she was quite a singer of her era when she was a kid her selection and choice of music indicate the making of a singer 

Aish however thinks she could have made a good standup comedian as she bores everyone on the boat with her ant and elephant jokes and also reads out loud some jokes mailed by her father (if only she could control her own laughter while narrating these jokes)

Shou  is being asked  to seriously consider her skills she even gave quite a demonstration of her Directorial skills when she directed VJ and Aish to take up a reef of mainsail with qute finesse.

Swatcat is thinking of becoming an interior decorator a good example of it can be her own house which she has done up with expertise

Our Dancing queen puko probably thinks of dancing even while sleeping given the fact that she is quite a show stopper on the dance floor she even stops people from dancing to show her puko moves Yeah! Shes in the making of a choreographer

Whether it is art or science what we wanted to become as compared to what we have become is a different ball game altogether we became ocean sailors in pursuit of action and adventure and that can be agreed upon by whoever believes in destiny.. We all do. And it has led us here where we belong and the best thing about it is it doesn’t stop us from pursuing our skills as a poet singer or writer neither will it stop us from going across boundaries getting us more seasoned by each passing day.

Every day is a new lesson and every voyage is a new chapter of experience

Signing off while gearing up for new lessons and sailing away across the next boundary.

Let's amuse ourselves with some rhyme from an amature poet.

Let's Rhyme

Flip-flop up at height

flock of birds in the sky.

As Sea swing in a swell

Mhadei's toss at a height

Waves carol at sea,

Splashing Mhadei like a drum.

White- horses roll so fast,

To catch Mhadei like a train

Breeze hum like bees

Adding to the music at sea

Pull the string of sails

Like a guitarist  on his guitar.

To every pull here she dance

Like a rock- star in a show

Yet she is not tired

But thrilled to be out again.

What a love note! I thought,

Amusing heaven and earth

Though it scare's me sometime

One become tough through it.

-Amature Poet

Day 31-Amphibians

Today marks our 31st day at sea people feel that one day here is no different from other but a day at sea is always and every time different from other we consider ourselves more of amphibians now (no wonder jammy and aish call themselves croc and gator)as we have been away for a month now let us tell you about what we miss the most about being on the land and how it feels to spend so long at sea

Starting what we miss about the land the first thing that comes to our mind is some quality time with family and friends,its been a month and we have been in touch with them only virtually and can communicate by an email or two in a day we missed some important occasions too ( birthdays,anniversaries and "farewell of our mentor")So all of us are looking forward to get back and make up on the lost time.

The next thing that we miss are some delicacies which we crave for shou is already drooling about winter food at manipur VJ screams "ice cream" while swatcat says some tandoori chicken 

will be good aish and jammy smack at golgappe and red velvet cake,

aish and jammy also seem to miss shopping most of all, they have already made a list of what they want to shop for once we reach our destination it includes some souvenirs,Wine and all that glitters but is not gold the place is famous for,as of now they are curbing their urge to shop by watching movies of the like "Confessions of a shopaholic" (how cliche!)

Not to mention we miss being pampered at our favorite salons.

Party girls also miss the late night parties and are waiting to let their hair down once we hit land.so behold Capetown here we come!

How we feel about being for so long at sea? its an absolute bliss with each passing day and it gives us a sense of belonging

we learnt to live with bare minimum discovering and surprising ourselves with our own skills everyday being so close to nature is absolute blessing and we consider ourselves fortunate for it

we feel more domesticated as mhadei is our humble abode i am sure our mothers will be amazed(shocked and shaken!) of our improved culinary and housekeeping skills when we get back

we also discuss our lives right from the naughty things we did in childhood to memories that are very close to our heart 

in short we are not living life everyday we are living a lifetime in a day 

Signing off with mixed feeling

Wishing Mrs Sandya Awati, goodlady of our great godfather a very Happy Birthday 

1700 odd Nautical Miles to destination-" So close no matter how far"

Days are cool nights are colder

moon is raising so our starlit nights have become moonlit

04 Dec






Warning: Becoming 'the First Indian' is not this easy! A failed attempt by Mhadei crew



We have been a bit occupied ever since we buzzed past Mauritius, as the winds started to play a bit of a merry-go-round all over again after fleeing from the clutches of the 'dreaded doldrums'. However we make it a point to celebrate every little event onboard, come what may. Yesterday marked a rather big one though, the Navy Day. On one hand, we were celebrating and on the other we were having to bid adieu to our revered mentor, Godfather and the man behind it all, Capt Dilip Donde who retired from the Navy on the same day.The day began with hoisting the Naval ensign (a ceremony called 'Colours' to pay honour to the flag and is hoisted in the morning and lowered at sunset). As the ceremony was performed, the weather soon greeted us with heavy clouding followed by pelting rain, that then continued throughout the day leaving us with only a small window in the afternoon when we tried our hands on some dramatics. Check out the picture on top for a glimpse. I am sure we're going to get something on this from Dilip Sir once we return, what exactly only time will tell:D We also tried our hands on some videography, VMT to Swatcat, the production incharge and to the crew for their contributions.



Why does it so happen that as we write, something significant happens. Good for us anyway! So as I write, we cross another 'line' and this one has never been crossed by the sun as well (not a line actually, its a circle), the Tropic of Capricorn. Tonight is a dark and clear night as we witness a skyful of stars spread across in the Milky way galaxy. And Its pretty cold out on the deck!!Another few days till this hemisphere sees the winter solstice. Wonder where we would be then...

The nightsky brings about a thought in mind..Have you ever wished or dreamt you had a time machine? Well we have one and it's presently taking us back in time;). Any guesses?

A day in the trades

Croc n Gator dosa

All is well that ends well. One more day ends with an awesome dinner (we call it Croc and Gator Dosa, Croc=Jammy, Gator=Aish) made by the masterchefs of Mhadei. The idea of having dosa cropped up after Croc and Gator broke the record of watching back to back South Indian movies! As I write, all the sleepy heads have gotten up for some food testing! Puko often gets diplomatic while commenting and says "Acha hai! Coconut powder would have made it tastier though"..Well yes Puko, get us some coconut powder now!

 

smiles

After regular rendezvous with dolphins, yesterday gave us a surprise when we  spotted something else at a distance. What it was, none of us are aware, but to make you fill with envy, we are naming it 'SHARK'.. he he ha

Good morning

Today was a beautiful morning as the sunrays reflected upon the waves making them shine like gold. Couldnt help myself but to try capture it a bit. The day followed with an extensive Shramdan (cleanship) of our lady love Mhadei. She has protected us all this while and its strange she doesn't ask much in return except for a bit of affection. Over a period of time this certainly has grown into a deep love for the boat and many times we have confessed it too! It is said that "The relationship between a man and his boat is often as intimate as that between a husband and a wife". Quite true I must say!