By Delphine
Busy day. Captain said we might be sailing to the Seychelles tomorrow so lots to do to prepare for the passage.
While Grant was doing inspection of the rig and sail, he discovered a small rip in the main sail. Apple was sent to the boom with needles and sailing yarn. Not easy stitching through three thick layers of sail cloths by hand and a few needles were broken.
Arabella stayed on the boat to help Grant with various boat jobs to get the boat ready.
- fixed window hatch of Arabella’s bedroom
- Did full inspection of the rig
- Cleaned and washed anchor locker
- Cleaned odometer under boat
- Changed water maker filter
- Put away all the toys - SUP, foil board, surf boards.
- Fixed and greased bags zips
- Checked engine oil
- Checked and fixed boat steering
Alex and I were in charge of provisioning in the small town of Gan. Specifically Alex is in charge of snacks and sweets. We went with Geza and Eva from Rotormacs while their daughter Johanna came over to play with Azania. We arrived at the harbour and walked three blocks to a grocery store. It is not very big but pretty well stocked. We were looking for mostly veggies and fruit and some basic essentials like flour, oatmeal, eggs, milk and chocolates for watches. Didn’t know what to expect on the fruit and veggies front as it depends on when the supply ship was here last and how much stock is left. You can’t be picky, but have to choose from whatever is on the shelves or fridges.
I was happy that we got some decent quality eggs, carrots, cabbage, tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes, leeks, spring onions, oranges, water melons, apples and guava. In the freezer, I found chicken wings and ice cream. The jackpot was finding a block of mozzarella cheese! We have been out of soft cheese for few weeks and are all craving pizzas.
We returned to the boat to unload the grocery. Later on we dinghied to the other harbour where other cruisers had found bananas. We saw a few street stalls selling fruit! Seeing beautiful fresh fruit brings such happiness. During passages, it’s a real treat to have fresh fruit. They don’t require cooking and are easy to eat even in bumpy seas. They really do brighten the day. Spent the remaining Maldivian dollars buying bananas, green papayas and green mangoes. I know Apple and Arabella would be pleased.
All in all, I was really pleased with the provisioning. Very efficient and we got good selection of fresh veggies and fruit for reasonable price.
Super hot and sweaty day. As soon as we got back on the boat, I jumped in the water to cool down and snorkel. Swam towards the shallow area and saw a big rock. Then it started moving and it’s a giant turtle. Two eagle rays swam by.
Grant and the girls have been working hard tidying through boat, putting things away and getting the boat ready for the passage. Anticipating a tough bumpy ride, Apple and I started preparing meals for the passage. Made fish head soup, chicken stew, pickled mangoes and beets.