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Last night the wind had increased to a good breeze and we made it clear of the Ombai Strait, or so we thought. As the morning became lighter the wind began dropping and by the time I took the watch at 0800 we had almost stopped in the water. By 1000 we were going backwards, the current running back towards the Strait is slowly sucking us in. By 1030 we could see breakers behind us as we wallowed in the slight swell. I initially was hoping it was a wind line, however it soon became apparent that it was the current going in the opposite direction to the swell and kicking it up. Sure enough the GPS was recording that we were heading back towards the Strait at a handsome speed of 2 knots. All we could do was wait until a favourable wind assists us out of this mess. The consequences of not getting a wind are that we would be sucked through to the south side of the islands and then we will be in a right mess. Fortunately we had a very slight wind from the SE arrive at noon and this stopped our backward progress and even providing some forward movement. For the rest of the day we struggle to gain each mile forward in the direction we wish to go. And at any time should the wind ease we would be lost. Does the crew care? Not in the slightest as it is Sunday and it is their day off.Being Sunday we all have the opportunity to get on with what we most want to do whether that is sleeping, washing, writing, or just listening to music and allowing the mind to wander. In my time off I went for the latter and allowed my mind to drift away. Unfortunately I was unable to get far as my mind turned to the vessel and the problems that were aboard. One thing that is ironic in my mind is the statement I made to the press back in Sydney, "technically the sailing of the vessel to Holland will be easy, it will be dealing with the crew and domestic issues that will be hard". This statement is proving to be all too true as I am dealing with the people issues aboard, which caused me to write this about sailors: Most of us who go to sea do so to escape from something or someone and so we are escapists, running away. The reality is very frightening because once we are at sea we realise that what we were running from is still with us and is actually within. Now at sea we cannot escape it and are forced to confront it or deny it. For the ones who are lucky to take the former approach they will learn and grow becoming the better for their journey. Those who take the latter approach will shrink in stature and will begin to lash out, seeking to divert the blame on to others. It is a good thing that I am patient and willing to work these issues out, who knows it may make a better person out of me.
Glenn R. Williams
Master
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