JesseMartin.Net
23rd March 1999
EVEN with my binoculars and a strict watch system I haven't been able to spot any Brazilian women sunbaking on the beaches. The closest I've come to anything from Brazil was a man-of-war jelly fish.
The headwinds I encountered swung around a few days ago and it seems I've passed out of the roaring 40s and the conditions are dying down.
I could do with a bit of sunshine but I shouldn't complain.
The fishing line continues to trail behind and there are some birds hanging around, keeping an eye on the lure.
I got a question from Glenn, at Haileybury College, who wanted to know how I learnt to sail.
My brother and Dad wanted to do a sailing trip on a small catamaran from Cairns to Cape York in 1995 and so, before we left, we did a sailing course at Port Melbourne Yacht Club.
Then we bought our catamaran. It was good learning on a small craft because I believe you learn the principles easier.
Kylie Browne at St Leonard's Primary wanted to know why I am heading so far up into the Atlantic and why not cut straight across to South Africa.
I have to go around the Azores Islands in the North Atlantic which is called my antipodal point.
This means it is the exact opposite side of the Earth to Melbourne.
Aleisha at Myrtleford PS asked how I have a bath in one cup of water.
I'm sorry to disappoint a few people but I don't actually get into the cup (I tried at first, but my legs hung out too much!)
I have a freshwater wash when it rains sufficiently so I can mop up enough water to squeeze over my head.
The easier way of life means I have to start getting into some school work, though.
The boat also needs a clean. All the mould has dried and turned to powder and my food bags need to be dried out.
The jobs make me feel good as they keep me busy and give a sense of achievement. After a hard day's work I can lay my head down and enjoy the feeling of exhaustion.
I am finding that time is passing quickly. I am only really conscious of getting through each day and enjoying it - the finish line seems like something in my imagination, a lifetime away.
But it was pointed out to me that in only another six weeks I'll see my family at the Azores Islands.
Already the halfway point is creeping up on me.