by Gavin Reid – Deckhand
Sea Dragon
We are now into Day 4 of our voyage to Bermuda and it has happened swiftly. The watch systems have been established with three watches doing 4 hour on shifts and then 8 hours off with two 2 hour ‘dog’ watches from 4pm to 8pm. In Roger’s watch we have Niklas and Sophia, in Lisa’s we have Kate and Max and in Gavin’s we have Rob, Maya and Caleb.
florida storm
On the first day we experienced plenty of wind as we left thunderstruck and stormy Florida and Key West. Fortunately, we kept relatively dry and took advantage of the wind from behind to plough along at a good speed of 10-11 knots (with some notable assistance from the Gulf Stream). After a cracking first day we slowed down a bit and have sailed in variable wind conditions from all angles up to a wind speed of 15 knots. We have unfortunately had to switch the motor on a few times but the wind has been plentiful so far.
Sea Dragon, pic via sat phone
Life on board the good ship Sea Dragon has been mainly hot and sweaty! Although we have begun to acclimatize to the heat some of us are still struggling to get our beauty sleep in these humid conditions. The crew has got used to the unusual elements of sailing to going to the toilets, making dinner and trying to have a shower. We have even been able to catch a Mahi Mahi fish which was consumed for dinner with a lovely bean salad. Everyone has taken on the challenges with good spirit and grace.
Mahi Mahi
Although we are heading on a north easterly route at the moment we are hoping the wind holds out and helps guide us in a more direct route to Bermuda where we are looking forward to many Dark and Stormies! (cocktails not skies 🙂 )
Dark and Stormy
How to make a Dark and Stormy:
There are only three ingredients, each has equal importance.
Dark rum ( key to its rich flavor and deep color)
Ginger beer ( NOT ginger ale, we want the kick ginger beer gives )
Lime juice (fresh, not bottled)
Ingredients
2 ounces dark rum
3 ounces ginger beer
½ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
Ice
Lime wheel or wedge, for garnish
Preparation
In a tall glass filled with ice, add the dark rum, ginger beer and the lime juice and stir to combine. Add a lime wheel or wedge and serve.
Enjoy!