Ice and record speed

Scary times for the crew of Orange

Nick Moloney reports from on board Orange ...

Well I wasn't too far wrong in my last mail...about three hours later our first berg rolled out of the mist three miles ahead and right on the bow. It was an indication that visibility is very low and I would hate to think what may have happened if it was dark.

We were sailing at about 33kts of bs,,, bore off sharply...passed within 1.5miles...fortunately no growlers seen.

We spent a period sailing slow...well 25kts and are now back up to 33. I'm trying to decide right approach for night hours...we still need to be fast as we have
some met issues ahead.

Boat speed tonight will depend on how much we trust the radar, which was off at the time we saw this one due to work being done on B&G system. Ironically
the radar came back to life soon after we had spotted it on deck. We were not able to test alarms or clarity. I don't know if my old WRTWR skipper is reading my logs but if you are Standbridge "Great stuff mate! You wouldn't miss this for quids!"

As usual...very exciting and a great privilege to see one of these chunks of ice..not sure of size...maybe 1/2 mile long, 1/4 mile wide, very tall with flat top. Magic stuff,,, was like a kid in a candy store with a pocket full of cash.

Speaking of money...I was moving a vest that I was wearing the day we left terra firma... many days ago and I heard this strange sound. It was coins rattling in my pocket. Its a sound that most of us here several times a day but never notice...out here it was a strange sound...hadnt seen money for over a month....what a simple and pure existence we have at sea.

A Great day today...same as the last 15 actually but today we saw what many dream of seeing

Spare a thought for us troops tonight as our eyes desperately attempt to pierce through the darkness.

nick