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Well as it turned out we didn't have to wait too long for a break in the weather! Yesterday afternoon saw the wind drop to an acceptable level for cargo ops although we were some distance out with the anchor down at Moller Bank (just out past the entrance to Kista Strait) we still managed to barge in some of the cargo until fading light put a halt to proceedings.This morning awoke to a cracker of a day clear skies wind @ 20 kts and falling, we managed to convince the ships Captain to sail up and down Kista Strait so we could discharge cargo a little closer to station to speed things up a bit and we then commenced RTA backloading as well from just outside Horseshoe Harbour.We had been monitoring the wind speed and direction every 30 minutes hoping for a window of opportunity when @ 1130hrs local the wind dropped to 05 kts gusting 07 kts we decided it was now or sometime next week. Shore based bollard crews, IRB's and watercraft swung into action and we moved slowly into the harbour and commenced the laborious task of tying up this 177m long beast. 3.5 hours and over a dozen lines (not to mention the relief of the skipper and the VL) later we were safely tied up in Horseshoe Harbour.Recommenced cargo ops @ 1530 and have discharged the remaining cargo in the lowers of #4 hold including the 950 loader and the 30 tonne crane have also backloaded the RTA 950. All that remains of the cargo is the 1/2 & 1/4 height containers of fuel and oil then we'll complete the backloading of RTA. Whilst cargo continued the refueling team were well underway with their setup for pumping ops and after pressure testing and completing all the necessary checks pumping of fuel ashore began @ 2215 hrs and with 40+ kts forecast it will be a long and cold night for those outside monitoring both the fuel line and the tanks in the fuel farm.Looking at the weather forecast there is an opportunity mid Sunday for us to get out again which is certainly do - able so stay tuned. Cheers,Micky & Deepy
Map
A map showing Australia and Antarctica. The map shows the journey of one voyage that has occured in the season, with each route highlighted in a distinct colour.