[PUP] Nordhavn's South

[bob Austin]

Thanks for the daily reports, Scott.  I am surprised that you are doing so
well with the E mail!  The first few days of any passage are the worse.  We
always felt that the one night passage was the worst.  Two nights are next, by
the third night you get in the rythm--but if you keep doing one and two
nighters you never do get in the swing.

I strongly recommend that you start standing watches at dark--we usually did 3
hours, 9-12, 12-3, 3-6 and 6-9.  We each got at least two hours sleep each off
watch, and another two or three during the day--naps are essential, and we
didn't formalize the day watches, but made sure that one or the other of us
was on deck.

If the bands work--fine.  But I also would consider Bonine (Meclizine)
-assuming no allergy.   For those times when it is really bad--transderm Scope
patches--again to be prescribed by the physician as per specific requirements
of the individual.  We read, wrote etc, but there are times when it is just
not the time--and then back off.

I am not surprised about the FLIR--I had thought they would have been better
in fog than you describe.  We have an inexpensive night vision scope--and
rarely found it useful--realize that the FLIR is much, much better.  But
between Radar and our sense in dark adaption, I that seemed to be more than
adequate.  It might have been nice to get a better look at some of the
"patrol" boats off Central America--but didn't make any real difference....

Make use of the good weather--and continue with the fair seas.  On the other
hand, if there is a place you want to stop, stop--and get some rest.  Don't
push it.

Take care!

Good voyaging!

Bob Austin