Captain Scott ~ October 11th, 2007

Note to all.... Until they reach a Port with internet access the only logs that will be posted are from Captain Scott, since he is using e-mail delivered via satellite phone using GMN's XGate software.

Pipe Dream left Massawa 3 days ago and is now 50 miles from the exit of the Red Sea called Bab El Mander or The Gate of Tears. Aptly named, as it's been a trial for sailors for all time. The wind blows hard into the Red Sea funneling between the 2 headlands and the current always runs into the Red Sea. Ancient sailors might spend months trying to get out. We currently have the problem of lack of wind but I expect to exit tonight.We have used the engine only to charge the batteries and consequently both tanks now read empty. There is some fuel remaining after the gauge reads empty. However, I have never run them lower than this and am not sure how much remains and/or how much is useable. Pipe Dream has 2 main tanks and 2 bladders. This morning we emptied the lazarette to inspect the bladders in hopes of finding a gallon or 2 of trapped fuel. No luck. They are bone dry. Next, I have shifted the return on my port main tank to return to the starboard. This will hasten the complete emptying of the port tank and I will know that all remaining fuel is in the starboard tank. We have cut off non-essential systems. The freezer is off and we will lose all the frozen food. In addition, we have made no new water and may run out before Aden. However, rum, although in short supply is available to the superior officer and his guests. If we lose battery charge then we will lose essential items like GPS and running lights. However, as Kendra pointed out, that's not a problem because the Gulf of Aden is a major pirate area and we did not plan to use the running lights anyway.