Since leaving Gibraltar we have travelled a thousand miles. During that time, we have rolled relentlessly accompanied by squeaking and creaking, moaning and groaning, rattling and shaking, and a cacophony of other noises. This vessel loves to roll. She is so enthusiastic; the speed and severity leaves you with a headache. I would love to bring the naval architect who designed this ship on board so he can experience the genius of his creation – which appears to have the hydrodynamic properties of a biscuit tin.
We are now north of the Azores in an area of high pressure and have some relief from the wind and swell experienced during the last week. St. Johns, our destination in Newfoundland is only a thousand miles away, everyone on board is looking forward to arriving, delivering the ship and heading home.
Between us and St Johns lies an area of unsettled weather. I have four forecasts on board from different sources. None of them seem to agree so further investigation and evaluation is needed. In the next few hours I will need to decide whether to slow down and let the weather pass by or to keep heading direct to Newfoundland and try and sneak through.
Meanwhile life on board is good. HP Sauce to accompany bacon and eggs makes breakfast a civilised affair. Frank Coopers thick cut marmalade on toast washed down with fresh coffee at morning Smoko enhances to the feeling of wellbeing. A cold beer before lunch sets up the afternoon for a period of horizontal contemplation.
The Adventures of Captain Ray Penson 
Thats how seafaring used to be and should be. Let the crew run themselves and the vessel. Unfortunately, although with good intentions, things like ISM code and shore managers who think is a hawse pipe is what you find in Kings Cross Sydney have knocked the initiative out of crews and a lot can no longer think for themselves.
Ray – You did send once before but can you send process to revalidate ticket.
Paddy
LikeLike