The lure of the night

by John Curnow on 18 Aug 2016 I suppose some time way back when, that headline actually meant getting set for a huge night out. If I remember correctly, there was a time when that seemed to be every night, too. For example, the radio station at Juan les Pins used to get people fired up for clubbing from 2300hrs. Today I am not sure I even have the energy to recount it all, let alone write it up!

No the connection stems from seeing deer and ‘roos the other night at about 0300hrs. The valleys were all full of mist and wonder, looking for all the world like the most massive collection of Japanese paintings at some ginormous modern gallery. It was super cold, 2-4?C, and they darted into the headlights as if shot out of cannons from the side of the road. Thankfully none decided to jag, not jig and end up coming through the windscreen. I like venison, but not as sashimi… Rare is best.

Still, I slowed right down and kept the lights on full to avail myself of the maximum reaction time. Two days later I am still utterly in awe of it all and only have words to describe it. I was not getting out in just a jumper in those conditions, so no pics.

In the intervening days it has got me to thinking about the last delivery trip. I had a great person on watch with me. Diligent and wary. Good stuff, for it meant I could keep an eye on the nav, which I love to do in the dark, especially when there are bricks around, of which this trip had heaps!!!

Still there’s sliding the boat around waypoints in the wind and tide combos, whilst FRED (the autopilot) did his thing, and I could attend to sail trim and cups of tea. When the smelly wasn’t running, the sound of a gliding displacement hull is lovely, and for those moments when you can sleep in the leeward bunk, just sensational.

The silence is invigorating and feeling like no one could get you is awesome. Yes, the GPS reminded me all the time that big brother was never far, but perception is reality, right?!

So yes, the lure of the night. You do not have to be scared, just prepared. At any rate, some adrenalin will be good for focus. Get well and truly set before the dark. Walk around the boat and check the gear. Get your PFD, PLB, torch, jacket and other gear up and on deck. Go below and make a thorough review of the chart for distance you are likely you are to cover on your watch/watches.

As you get into the warmer climes a jacket may not be necessary behind the dodger and all, but have it there in case you have to go for’ard, or things change quickly, which they can and do at sea regularly.

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