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At around 1700 yesterday afternoon and after a display of some excellent seamanship by the crew of the Aurora Australis, we finally took FV Janas under tow. After a day of preparation and planning, in some very ordinary conditions, the line was passed and taken up by the Janas' crew and we commenced a very slow and controlled transit back to Macquarie Island.
With the speed never getting more than six knots it took until 0300 this morning to get close enough to the island to start to get some protection from the buffeting winds and sea. The crew continue to monitor the tow line and are in constant communication with the Janas to ensure that both ships keep a good separation distance from each other, whilst ensuring that the tow line remains intact.
The current conditions preclude us doing anything but keeping the Janas under tow and remaining in the lee of the island as we wait for conditions to improve. We are currently experiencing winds of over 40knt with gusts approaching 55knt along with passing showers, hail and snow.
Having said that there is the occasional burst of sunshine that showcases the whole island blanketed in snow - a truly spectacular sight again. These weather conditions are predicted to continue till Thursday morning.
The Janas crew continue to work on the main engine and having her undertow certainly is making their job easier, as is having access to further engineering advice on the Aurora as well as from Station personnel ashore. Rectification ideas are flowing thick and fast so hopefully we will have a successful outcome in the near future. The only problem is that weather conditions are not allowing us to transfer any personnel or equipment between the two vessels at the moment.
I forgot to mention yesterday that on Sunday night we had the double 'celebration' of 100 years of the granting of the title 'Royal' to the Royal Australian Navy by King George V and 100 years of Australian Antarctic Exploration, plus Billy's, one of the Gap year sailors, birthday. The Galley team baked a special commemorative cake to mark the multiple occasions as well as another cake for Ben, one of the AA's IRs, who also celebrated a birthday.
Speaking of the maestro's in the galley I failed in my duty of mentioning Sunday night's culinary masterpieces, that's right plural. I make it my duty to report on the home made dessert each night, but that night I had to 'double duff' or do a 'clifton' as the team had punched out two homemadies. The first a sensational apple crumble, the second an equally special passionfruit cheese cake. Last night's desserticide was good old home made apple pie, which was truly magnificent - let the belt out one more notch.....
All aboard doing well and wondering what the next day will bring in this great Southern Ocean odyssey.
Regards
Rob and Andy
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.