Dec 09, 2005 - 1215hrs UTC

1215hrs 09 Dec 2005 UTC 43’57”S 139’12”E Ref 634

u/d – will expand during the night – will need to recharge before can send.

Once again, twin poledAn explanation from Malcolm: It is quite normal for a yacht to 'pole out' its jib (the foresail) on the opposite side of the boat to the mainsail when running downwind - this is called goosewinging'. A spinnaker pole is attached to the mast at one end and the back corner (clew) of the jib at the other. That holds the jib at the right angle so that it catches the wind. On Berri they've found that they can often get good performance and a comfortable ride by taking the mainsail right down and setting a second jib poled out on the opposite side to the first., gusty squally 25-30 up the proverbial and going like the clappers. GPS ETEEstimated Time Enroute - the estimated time to get from where you are to a particular place - as opposed to ETA which is the the actual day/time that you expect to get there. There is a facility for checking ETE to a waypoint on GPS. now consistently under 70 hours to SE CapeThe southernmost point of the main island of Tasmania, sometimes below 45. One of the poles creaking a bit – perhaps the parrot beak fitting rivets have died. OK as long as we keep it under compression!

Exquisite moon out there wreathed in wispy cloud and big dark silhouettes all around. Pink remains of sunset fading under cloudbase astern. Battery very low – deliberately running right down to 10.8 v to conserve diesel – not enough sunshine to fire up the solar much during the day. We are using our reserve water, also to conserve diesel.

Later: there seems to be a series of tight little fronts embedded in this westerly flow – we’ve just flopped out of the back of one – 35+ knot-- Speed: definition of speed at sea. One knot is one nautical mile per hour. The nautical mile is about 1.15 % longer than the "statute" mile used on land. A knot is about half a metre per second. -- A knot is also the result of winding a rope around itself or another rope to make a join or a loop . gustsShort increases in wind speed – or people who signed the Gust Book., very short (2 boatlength) steep (4-5 metres?) seas under, which fade gradually as front recedes. Venus bright like a beacon in a gap in the cloud for a time, now hidden. Moonlight making ghostly coils out of breaking crests all around us and glowing in the sternwave as we surf off each wave – seldom straight down the face but semi-sideways until the headsails and KevvoStainless steel self steering device, built by Kevin Fleming, used on Berrimilla and countless others exert their leverage. Gets us ever closer to the Cape and the Iron PotA small island lying close to the south-eastern coast of Tasmania around the entrance to the River DerwentThe Derwent is a river in Tasmania, Australia. Its large estuary forms the port of Hobart. . It is the site of Tasmania’s first lighthouse.. It seems there might be a reception committee and I understand that Storm Bay is full of interesting flotsam – we will keep our eyes open.

To all of you who have written and signed the gust bookThe Guest Book on the Berri site, so named to prevent spammers finding it to offer, or request unusual services and medications. The Gust book is here. from the USA – thanks for your good wishes, encouragement and personal messages – wonderful to get them and we are delighted that the website has given you pleasure. I’m sorry that I just don’t have the capacity to reply to everyone personally. Nice to know you are all out there – the next three weeks will be the pointy end of the whole gig – hang on for the ride!

El, will call you when in range – email too hard for the mo. Come up for arrival if you can – ETAEstimated Time of Arrival Sydney dec 20, but depends on the ExaminerShe who asks awkward questions of the crew and tests them with difficult tasks.. Hobart for NY eve too? ETAEstimated Time of Arrival ditto!

Gordo – thanks re food – not this time thanks – we’re just doing 6 meals and using up the leftovers. Back on the contract for LHILord Howe Island. LHI is situated 700 kilometres north east of Sydney. A race to from Gosford to LHI takes place every October and Berrimilla has taken part for several years - obviously not in 2005! if you want.