Musical Interlude

July 5 0400(L)/1400(Z); 3739N/15731W; under sail in light winds, calm seas, 1/3 moon

We motored for about 3 hours yesterday burning about 2.5-3 gallons of diesel per hour. We started the trip with about 215 gallons and have used about 10 gallons for the generator. Until yesterday, we only used the engine to head into the wind to reef the main sail. With the engine running there is plenty of power generation and thus we turn on the autopilot which we spare the use of when under sail. I took my thermarest topside and rested comfortably on the bow.
Later in the afternoon, Dom pulled out the guitar. Did I tell you that he is quite good? He writes some of his own stuff...style characterized by bluesy folk influenced by New Zealand and Australian groups (he lived down under for nearly 9 years). This is not the first time Dom serenaded the crew. It was an excellent accompaniment to the purr of the engine...but better without. Chris then pulled out his trumpet, saxophone, and flute. Dom got his first trumpet and flute lesson. I'd rather listen to his guitar! It is times like this when I wish I had my fiddle, but this not a fiddle-friendly environment.
As Chris and Dom were in the cabin prepping dinner (mahi mahi burritos), I sited a large object in our path. Nick quickly turned off the autopilot and I steered clear. We were on a collision course with a large piece of rusted metal of sorts, the visible part about the size of a desk.
We shifted our schedule today. I moved to the 1800 - 0200 sleep cycle relieving Chris at 0200 and Dom took my old slot, relieving Nick at 0400. Mister "I can sleep anywhere, anytime" Nick keeps us going most of the night. Thank you Nick!