Day 4
"00.01 to 04.00 the weather was much smoother and all the gear was carefully re-checked and found to be in good order - ready for anything!
Murray regularly takes the watch from 12 to 04; Alistair from 04 to 08; and Charlie from 08 to 12 each day, round the clock. In addition, Charlie takes on the role of the Chief Cook to the riding crew.
12.00 Noon and Murray returns on watch. The Midday position was now recorded by Capt. Miller as 42° 17' N; 09° 36'W and steady progress is recorded. The crew constantly check to make sure there are no loose items on Galatea, especially in the lower decks and the weather deck. Anything liable to break loose is lashed down or secured.
At one point in the afternoon watch from 16.00 until 20.00 under Alistair there is a sudden and heavy rolling and pitching which Capt. Miller ascribes to the wash of a passing vessel somewhere out of sight. The ships compartments are checked and all found to be secure.
20.00 All reminded not to relax vigilance at all times of the crew and the ship. To take care at all times and not to take unnecessary risks. The tow to Wallasey is checked, found to be good and Charlie takes his second watch of the day until midnight.
23.59 All well. Wind NNE Force 3/4, and Murray takes over the watch for the next four hours. Four days have passed in the return, so far without incident and with the Bay of Biscay to be crossed next."
The logbook of Captain Alistair Miller
Edits by Elizabeth Allen
Image courtesy Miller Family - Murray Scrimgeour at work