Muckle watch report (Peter, Ali, Andy, Jon)

(since this update we have rounded Muckle Flugga through thick fog and are now slowly creeping south (or North depending on who is at the helm)

All continues well on board although we'd be drier if we were in a sieve.
Now constantly trimming (for Andy this means his beard) and reached half way a day or so ago, (rounding MF last night). Our world is still divided into
the clean (Muckle + Skipper Pedro) the dirty (Flugga). Pedro has confined
himself to the galley once he realized how cold it was on deck. Our heartfelt thanks go out to him and quartermaster Allie for the variety and quality of food provided, which has kept the crew going. Outside of the watch system he maintains strength and vigilance ready to spring gazelle like into action when called (infrequently). The crew are heartened and encouraged each morning by his daper, refreshed and unfatigued approach, a look the crew hope to regain in due course.

The first mate's wit remains razor like (ed. as sharp as a teaspoon through burnt porridge with a dash of Nutella). Luckily for the Muckle watch he has decided to follow the skippers lead and spends most nights down below at the chart table navigating and sleeping. It was only on day 7 whilst commenting on the delightful Scottish highland spring water made by the water maker that the mate advised that we shouldn't be using the heads when running the water maker, as the heads outlet is forward of the water maker inlet! This might account for the queasiness felt in the early days!

Now the crew have learnt how to trim, by patient and extensive tuition by the skipper and first mate, supplemented by Jon and Andy's reading of "sail and trim tactics". Jon and Andy hope to pass on their experience to the Flugga watch when they have finished Chapter 2. Meanwhile Ali reads Air Babylon. (note that Richard (aka Litle Cashy) of Flugga watch has already requested to read it on his off watch)

Commander Jon (009) up to now considered to be ex SBS (he has on several occasions disappeared during the night watch when another boat has been nearby only for it to vanish suddenly) has been uncovered as a ballet dancer and he and Ali waltzed the night away pirouetting the boat through a 720 degree spin. In the event of the protest we have a 720 in the bag. As the weather was fair Ali grabbed the helm for what seemed like only the 2nd or 3rd time and turned in a magnificent 4 hours charging towards Muckle Flugga as she was fed "E"'s all night by mate Peter just to keep her awake. Anyone would think there was a glass of champagne waiting for her at Muckle Flugga.


Andy busies himself taking action photos, something he has been doing continually since the 10 minute gun. Unfortunately every time there is a fantastic action photograph opportunity the boat is just a little too busy for anyone to be taking photos, so he is now posing ridiculously like a model the other side of the lens for the first time pretending to trim. The sun is now out and Pedro has graced Muckle watch with his presence taking the helm and slowing the boat down to 7.5 knots from 8.6 kts.

Ali has lost interest in Jeu D'Esprit and has fallen in love with one of the skippers who called for a chat on VHF a couple of days ago. Boat name available on request.

Talk continues of estimated finish time as most of the crew are expected back at work on Monday and some are concerned whether they will have a job if they return some months later from this snail crawl. Sleazy Jet supermodel Andy has already moved his flight home once and now wants to borrow the boat from Allie to get home (note - he is clearly suffering as he lives inland and hasn't worked out you cant drive boats on roads)

Well, now time for another watch.