How to air up basketball without pump

How to Inflate Any Ball Without a Pump or Needle « MacGyverisms :: WonderHowTo

• By Osas Obaiza
• 6/29/13 11:06 PM
• 6/23/17 7:24 PM

What happens when you find your ball deflated and there's no pump or needle in sight? You could always cancel your plans of kicking around the soccer ball or starting that pickup football game in the park. Better yet, you could be terribly clever and find another way to get air into the ball. From a pen to a balloon to a gas station, there are ways to inflate it.

While balls all have an ideal pounds per square inch or psi (a term we all learned during "Deflategate"), at this time, all we care about is getting some air into our balls to increase the air pressure. For future reference, however, the target psi is 7.5 to 8.5 for a basketball, 8.7 for a soccer ball, 4.26 to 4.61 for a volleyball, and 12.5 and 13.5 for a regular pigskin football. Exercise balls range in size, so it's impossible to give you a target psi for them.

But we don't need to be so precise at this time though. Any air will do!

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Method #1: Use Compressed Air to Pump Up Your Ball

If you haven't already wasted your entire supply blasting your friends in the face with freezing cold compressed air, you could use this standard office item to fill up a deflated ball. The most difficult part about inflating a ball without a pump or needle is finding something that will fit inside the small air hole. Well, with a compressed air canister, you have the perfect solution.

The small straw that comes with the canned air will fit inside the ball's hole perfectly. I'd suggest doing small bursts of air since the can will chill up rather quickly. This probably won't work if the ball is completely flat, and it would be pretty expensive to keep using this trick, so make sure it's just a one-time thing.

Method #2: Transfer Air from a Balloon into Your Flat Ball

Another repurpose idea is to use air from a balloon. As long as you have something to pass the air between the two, you've got an instant DIY solution. If you have a pump that's broken, the needle will still work. If you don't have one, though, you can use a very thin straw or ... a coffee stirrer. As for the balloon, the bigger and stronger the better. A punch balloon would work very well.

Blow up the balloon as much as possible. Then, using a paper clip or clamp, close off the balloon's lip to keep the air inside. Next, attach the pump needle or straw/stirrer to the balloon and insert the other end into the ball's hole. Release the paper clip or clamp, and the air will begin to transfer into the ball. You can squeeze the balloon to make the air transfer faster.

We ourselves have not tested this trick out. Commenters on the video have questioned the validity of this hack, noting that the balloon doesn't appear to be getting any smaller, though the ball is filling up very well, as you can see below. So if you test this one out, let us know if it worked or not.

Method #3: Fashion a Pen's Ink Tube as a Makeshift Needle

As said, one of the biggest challenges, if you're missing a pump needle, is to find an adequate stand-in. Well, if you have a pen nearby, you've found one. For this hack, courtesy of Wendel F., you'll also need a paper clip, scissors, and tape.

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The first step is taking apart the pen and separating the ink tube. Drain the ink by removing the writing point. Keep the writing cap nearby, as this will be used to hold your "needle" or entry point into the pump. With your scissors, cut a small piece out of the ink tube and insert it into the writing cap.

To create the "ball tube," you'll want to use a metal paper clip with a plastic coating. Straighten the paper clip and insert it into the air hole of the ball. Cut around the end that's sticking out and then pull the metal out, leaving the plastic "tube" mostly inside the ball. You will be placing your writing-cap "needle" (which you've now attached to an air pump) into this plastic casing. It will look like this:

Images by Wendel F. /Flickr

And the end result should be a pumped up ball. Note: You'll probably need help holding this fragile contraption together, but with teamwork, it should be fine.

Method #4: Visit a Gas Station to Refill Your Ball

I've had my fair share of flat tires, and as a lesson learned, I now make sure to always have a few quarters in my car for such emergencies. Many gas stations have air pumps that you can use to fill up your deflating tires. But, if you have a pump needle or straw/stirrer with you, you can also use these powerful pumps to inflate your ball... or rather balls.

You can try and fill as many as you can before your time runs out. Note: In California, since 1999, gas stations have been required by law to provide free "water, compressed air, and a gauge for measuring air pressure" if you've purchased gasoline. So keep that in mind next time you're at the pump.

Method #5: Or Visit a Bike Shop Instead

Speaking of being out and about, you can also call into your local bike repair store or shop to see if they'd be willing to use a bike pump to inflate a ball or two for you. Assuming they're not busy, a local shop may be amenable to such a request. Of course, out of courtesy, you should consider buying something small in exchange for their kind accommodation. You can always use a reflector or decal, right?

Method #6: You Can Even Siphon Air from Car Tires

We've seen photos of this in action, so it's totally possible, and Instructables user Aleksi has a tutorial on it. While his guide was geared toward transferring air from car tires to bike tires, it's not totally plausible to do so since bike tires require more psi than car tires, but it's perfect for filling up a tiny ball a tad. Just buy an air hose, a couple Schrader chucks, and an inflating needle, and keep them handy.

Alex Zakkas also has a tutorial on this, too, with a slightly different design and few different parts that may actually work better for you.

Method #7: Invest in an Infusion Ball for Anytime Inflation

Many major brands, such as Spalding, now have a line of balls with the air pump built right into them. To use this gadgety feature, simply pull out the rubber top to open the pump and then pump the device until the ball is the firmness you want it to be. It's as simple as that, as seen here in a 2001 ad:

As you can see, there are a number of clever ways to get air (and air pressure) back into a ball. Don't be discouraged because your basketball, football, or soccer ball is flat. Sure, your pump is broken and you can't find the needle, but that's okay. Grab a pen or a straw and go into MacGyver mode. You'll be playing ball again in no time!

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How to Pump a Basketball Without a Needle (3 Methods)

When shooting hoops by yourself or playing basketball with your friends, there are few things worse than your ball going flat. While it would be great if everyone had a needle and basketball pump at all times, that isn’t always the case.

I can think of several times where my friends and I had to cut a game short due to no one having a needle to inflate the ball. It’s annoying and also incredibly frustrating. Thankfully, there are a number of different ways you can pump up a basketball (whether indoor or outdoor) without needing to have a needle at all. This guide is going to look at a few of them.

Quick Navigation

Method 1: Use a Can of Compressed Air

Best to use for: If you are without a needle and pump, a can of compressed air is probably the quickest and easiest way to fill up your ball. It offers you something very similar to the needle, so getting the air in the ball will be simple. Of course, you likely need to be at home for this to work as very few people take compressed air out with them. Even then, however, it is easy enough to go to a store near where you are and get a can of compressed air for a very affordable price.

Things to prepare:

• The ball
• Can of compressed air (make sure it isn’t empty)
• Potentially a second can if your ball is incredibly flat

How to do:

1. Put the end of the straw of the can into the basketball. It should fit quite easily.
2. Slowly start to press the trigger to allow the air to go inside the ball. Do it slowly and carefully for the best results. Once the ball is inflated to the desired amount, take out the straw and hit the courts!

Method 2: Utilize a Balloon

Best to use for: This is great for people who are at home, as most of us have some balloons lying around. It is quite easy and quick but does require the use of a few other items like a thin straw, and a paper clip or clamp. It’s not great for those who are out at a public court, as you likely don’t have balloons with you.

Things to prepare:

• The ball itself
• The balloon (likely more than one to be safe)
• A paper clip or clamp
• A thin straw or a coffee stirrer

How to do:

1. The first thing to do is to blow up the balloon with an ample amount of air.
2. Once the balloon is blown up, don’t tie it like you normally would, but use the clamp or paper clip to close it up temporarily.
3. Next, you need to connect the thin straw or stirrer to the balloon, and put the other into or at the air hole of the ball.
4. Once the clip is taken off, the air should begin to flow through the straw into the opening of the ball, inflating it.
5. Do this as many times as it takes to get your ball to an air level that you are comfortable with. It might take a couple of balloons.

Method 3: Go to a Bike Shop or Gas Station

Best to use for: This is a great option for you if you are out and about, and don’t have a pump, needle or anything like that at home. If you don’t have the materials for the other two methods, this could work. Going to a bike shop or gas station is a good idea as they have air pumps and might even have the attachment you need. This method is very easy and simple but could take a while to find a gas station or bike shop nearby. Also, they might not have the needle attachment so it couldn’t hurt to call ahead.

Things to prepare:

• The ball
• Find a safe way to get to the shop or station
• Potentially pick up a basketball needle if they don’t have them

How to do:

1. Get to the bike shop or gas station, after calling ahead to ensure they can help you.
2. Use the correct attachment to inflate the ball to your liking.
3. Be sure to thank them if they don’t charge you. Also, consider buying something small for their kindness.

Final Words

We hope that this guide has been able to help you learn how to pump up a basketball without a needle. When trying any of the aforementioned, be sure to do it safely to protect yourself and your basketball.

Have a method that wasn’t mentioned here? If so, let us know in the comments below.

4 easy ways :: SYL.ru

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Almost every ball - football, volleyball, children's, basketball, gymnastics - is suitable for use only when it is properly inflated with air. Therefore, a special pump, a needle, and sometimes even silicone grease are often sold with it. But imagine that all this is simply not at hand. How to pump up a ball without a needle? We have selected for you several effective folk methods.

Method 1: Compressor

How to inflate a ball without a needle? Contact any of the car services in your locality - workers will help you for free or for a nominal amount. Do not ignore tire shops: there will definitely be powerful compressors for pumping car tires. One thing: there is a risk of pumping the product with air, which will lead to its damage or even explosion.

Compressor - equipment from which air is released under pressure. Therefore, this is a perfect answer to the question: "How to inflate a ball without a needle and a pump?" If possible, it is recommended to carry out the procedure together: one person will turn the compressor on and off, and the second person will hold the ball and press the cord, controlling the process of air intake. The hose with the nozzle is pressed tightly against the valve, after which the device turns on at full power. It must be deactivated immediately as soon as the surface of the ball becomes hard. That's all!

We also draw your attention to the fact that many models of car compressors have special nozzles for pumping balls with air.

Method No. 2: electrical tape, syringe needle, bicycle pump

The tools here are among the most affordable: a bicycle pump is in almost every home, you can easily buy electrical tape in a manufactured goods store, hypermarket, a syringe in a pharmacy. How to pump up a ball without a needle in this way? Easier than simple:

1. Take a needle from a syringe - first of all, you need to grind its sharp tip on asphalt, brick, stone, curb or with a special knife. Too sharp, it will easily pierce the nipple, which will make the ball unusable. The best would be a needle for blood transfusion systems - it is thick, durable, does not bend.
2. In the second step, you make a kind of adapter from electrical tape - 10-12 layers of it are enough. They need to be wound tightly so that the air does not come out when pumping back.
3. How to inflate a ball without a needle? Attach the invention to a bicycle pump and proceed with the procedure.

Method No. 3: syringe

How to inflate a ball without a needle - volleyball, basketball, football? Use a large medical syringe! This is in the most extreme case, because the method is quite exhausting - you will spend about 2 hours on the procedure.

As with the second method, you will need to blunt the needle, otherwise you will damage the nipple and the ball will deflate all the time. Which syringe to choose? The more, the better:

• It's really possible to inflate the ball with 20-cubic meters in 30-40 minutes.
• 10cc syringe will keep you busy with the ball for one to two hours.

Before starting the procedure, we recommend that you treat the nipple with silicone grease - this will protect it from damage by an imperfect needle from a syringe. It is simple to act: insert the needle into the hole, pressing the lever of the syringe, release the air. Then remove the tool, return the lever to its original position and repeat the procedure.

Method 4: Needle but no pump

We've figured out how to inflate a ball without a needle (basketball, volleyball, football, etc.) But what if you have one (or you made your own needle), and is there no pump? We offer the following instruction:

1. The pump will be replaced by an ordinary plastic bottle from a carbonated drink. As a last resort - a dense plastic bag without holes.
2. Now you need to screw the needle into the cork of the container or solder it. This will be the switch. Check that it does not let air through.
3. Then lubricate the ball nipple with silicone grease.
4. But now you need to pump air with your hands (or, if you prefer, with your feet) into our homemade pump, from where it will flow through the needle into the ball.

Other ways

Here are some more tips:

• If you can't find a medical syringe, you can replace its needle with an empty ballpoint pen.
• If you managed to pump up the ball just a little, then you can restore its hardness and elasticity like this: just hold it for a while in hot water. From this, the air inside the product will heat up, which will expand, which will complement the effect of jumping.
• Silicone nipple grease can be replaced with machine oil.
• The needle can be attached to the cap of a plastic bottle for a homemade pump with a glue gun.
• Instead of a compressor, bicycle pump, bag or bottle, you can also use a regular rubber bulb.
• A compressed air bottle, car spare tire or trash bag can also act as a pump.

So we have sorted out all the available ways to pump any ball with an air valve, if there was no pump and a special needle nearby. Contact a car repair shop, wield a medical syringe, build your own tool - choose what is most suitable for you.

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Three holidays, five storms, one hundred breakdowns, a million nerve cells and one quarantine. Incredible adventures of the Klochkov family in the Indian Ocean

Lady Mary, inhabited by a heroic family crew, has completed the third of the global passages: from the shores of South Africa to the shores of Australia. Great Russian Circumnavigation go on!

The Lady Mary, inhabited by a heroic family crew, has completed its third global voyage: from the coast of South Africa to the coast of Australia. Great Russian Circumnavigation go on!

Match TV is following the unique round-the-world trip of the Klochkov family on their own yacht. If for some ridiculous reason you are still not aware of this fantastic story, you can literally fix the misunderstanding in two clicks: once and twice. Happened?

Summary of the next series, told by the senior assistant to the captain Marina Klochkova:

• Why was the third stage the most boring?
• What annoys the inflexible captain?
• Why are there bicycles on board the yacht?
• How much do you know about stern oil?
• Where did the three bottles of rum go?
• Why is Gorn cooler than Luin?
• What is Australian quarantine?
• Which plan will work at the finish: A, B or C?

Ship's journal. January 27

Passing the Cape of Good Hope does not mean slipping through a window in the weather from Cape Town to Simonstown and back. Passing the Cape of Good Hope means circumnavigating Africa from the south. There is a long shelf and strong currents that conflict with the prevailing wind. It is in this place that the largest number of anomalous overturning waves arise. It is dangerous to get into such a place even for large ships. Therefore, our task is to go as far south as possible, bypassing the shelf.

This is the same problem - in the south-west wind it is still not very good to go due south. "Lady Mary" blows east, no matter how she resists it. So far, we manage to walk along the very edge of the shelf. There are currents here too, and they slow down our progress to the south ...

***

- Those who closely follow your expedition online (and I am from this detachment), from the first days of the transition "South Africa - Australia" caught yourself thinking: somehow it is too hard for you. Both the crew and the boat. It seems to me that you yourself did not expect that it would be so difficult. I'm right?

- Yes, perhaps. But it is better to clarify the terminology. If we take our three very long non-stops - across the Pacific Ocean to Cape Horn, from the Strait of Magellan to Cape Town and from Cape Town to Western Australia - then the gradation is as follows: the first was the most desperate and therefore the most difficult, the second - the most stormy, and the third - the most tedious and rich in all sorts of breakdowns.

- Just about. The words "tedious" and "dreary" are regularly found in the ship's log. Much more often than before. Remote fatigue or is it just the route?

- I don’t know why, but from the first days it seemed to me and Nastya that we had been at sea for a hundred years. Maybe because the first storm came off schedule? Immediately "from the ball to the ship" with all the consequences.

- And it happens - a storm out of schedule? Did the cap not catch him? I don't believe in anything.

- The forecast indicated a wind of 30-35 knots, and flew up to 50 on gusts. This was, perhaps, only the second case of a rather strong storm not predicted.

Ship's log. January 29

The storm has passed, only merry waves are left that do not allow opening the hatches. Therefore, it is stuffy and disgusting in places in the boat. Winds - 20-30 knots (up to 15 meters per second), which is a lot, but already tolerable. Backstay course. And today we have a holiday again - confirmations have arrived that the kangaroo country has granted us a visa! So it is written - "complained".

Straight from the shoulder…

***

— Ah, I see. Meteorologists are the same everywhere.

— No, we don't complain about them at all. Most often, on the contrary, we admire how accurately they can predict the future - down to a knot and a degree.

When did you go up or, more correctly, did you go down? - south of 42 degrees, it became cold again. Again, condensate flowed down the walls, new leaks came to light - not dangerous, but little things affecting the mood. We made repairs in Africa, we turned our lair into a cozy house...

— Yes-ah-ah-ah, it's a shame.

— And when the lacquered walls began to flow again, and salt water began to drip on the sofas, it became so hopelessly disgusting... It is to those facets of our girlish souls that appreciate beautiful curtains, soft ottomans, cozy nests, and that's it.

And the captain doesn't care about these troubles of ours. He always feels good in the ocean. Only the frequent breakdowns strained him.

— I never tire of being surprised by the versatility of the Cap nature. It seems to me that he is ready for everything and knows everything. Effortlessly handles sails, engines, pumps, gadgets and the list goes on. Is there something in this life that he cannot do? Able, for example, to make a branded charlotte "in Klochkovsky"?

- But no! He definitely doesn't know how to cook charlotte. But a couple of years ago, I periodically cooked my signature soup. And even baked pancakes. Now our third chef is growing up, so the cap has relaxed. In general, he is culinarily unpretentious and in the galley, if anything, will not disappear.

And yes, Andrey asks for clarification especially for Match TV: he is ready to talk about his modesty for hours.

Photo: © personal archive of the Klochkov family

Ship's log. Feb 3

- Oh my! The captain's round eyes are visible even in the dark. - We have a full hold of water! - Turn on the shower pump. Take a pen, go to the cockpit to pump water through the mechanical bilge.

Under the cheerful murmur of streams and the spitting of the pump, we enter the night. As I smartly pull on my waterproof pants, just in case, I think about who to send the SOS signal to and when it’s time to put on life jackets. The captain with a flashlight in his forehead descends closer to the surface of the bilge water...

***

— The Lady Mary statistics department issued the following information on the results of the transition: five storms, 100 breakdowns, 1000 nerve cells, one illness and three holidays. Can you at least decipher these numbers in general terms? Storms, for example, were as fierce as on the last crossing?

- No, not really. The first, the one that is not according to the forecast - up to 10 points. And the second of the significant category happened in the middle of the way with the epicenter near Kerguelen (a group of islands in the southern part of the Indian Ocean. - matchtv.ru), where we wanted to go. Muzzle for 50 knots, but we deliberately went north, and we got to 45.

At that time, the engine and, accordingly, the heater were already broken, so they also went north in order to quickly catch the calm, dismantle the engine room, on the way to which there are three bicycles, canisters and other necessary necessities. Starting from that day, this fascinating procedure was repeated a couple of times a week in order to still fix the engine. It was only possible to fix it two weeks before the finish of Australia. And even later.

- Walking in the ocean without an engine - a very dangerous story or within the normal range? One commentator on social networks directly scolded you for your carelessness. I even copied it, this comment:

“Well, you fucking give. It is impossible to neglect security so much, IMHO. Where are TWO (from different systems) satellite modems and a separate satellite phone? Where is the HF radio station? Where is the wind generator in addition to solar panels? Where is an emergency portable diesel or gasoline generator (moreover, one that is able to crank the starter of the main engine, even if all the batteries are completely dead, and also provide welding)? Where is the COMPLETE SET OF ALL SPARE PARTS for engine repair, WHICH ONLY DO NOT REQUIRE ITS COMPLETE DISASSEMBLY (starter, generator, belts, injectors, injection pump, sensors, etc.)?”

— Yeah, yeah. In response to this comment, I was tempted to give a link to our PayPal. And then a self-propelled barge with the listed backup mechanisms has nothing to buy and maintain ...

Our yacht is sailing, not motorized, so even the loss of an engine does not threaten the loss of a boat. Just a few inconveniences.

Ship's log. February 6

A few days ago our main navigation iPad died. On it, both the mail program and the form for sending coordinates rested. Now navigation is on an old spare iPad, and mail is on an old MacBook. Both of them are a bit buggy. It will be necessary to update at least one MacBook and one iPad on the mainland. Together with the prices of a flight for a visit to Russia, the amount looks depressing :) ...

***

- I was thinking: why do you need big ones in the hold? Are they the necessities of the sea? Or do you race across the deck when you're bored?

- Great - our everything. Upon arrival at the shore, we immediately released them from confinement and now every morning we ride along the Australian coast. You can ride them for groceries, explore cities and villages without becoming dependent on public transport and taxis. We rent a car very rarely for financial reasons.

— Please excuse me for interrupting. So what about storms and breakdowns?

- There were far fewer storms than in the South Atlantic at the beginning of spring. Of the five, I repeat, only two are serious. When the very first one collapsed, the propeller shaft - apparently from surprise - was spinning too fast. The stern oil was washed out, so sea water began to seep into the hold: not critical, but beyond the usual norm.

And here a fatal coincidence happened: the automatic bilge pump failed. As a result, the hold was flooded with seawater, flooding the starter and part of the electrical wiring connections. The water was pumped out immediately, lubricants were poured into the deadwood a little more, but the contacts from the salt slowly corroded, cutting out the starter, the fresh water intake pump, the starter again, and so on.

Each time the captain cleaned the contacts and everything worked again, but the engine (and with it the heater) started only on the approaches to Australia. Therefore, neither Kerguelen nor Amsterdam (an island in the Indian Ocean, which is part of the French Southern and Antarctic territories. - matchtv.ru) we went.

Photo: © personal archive of the Klochkov family

Ship's log. Feb 9

The kids and I finally got the hang of the morning documentaries. Now we are looking at the Romanov dynasty, starting from Mikhail Fedorovich. We arm ourselves with a notebook and a pen and take notes as we watch. Then we ask each other questions. Works great. Even Ladunya is now aware of what the Council Code is, for example.

A film dedicated to the 400th anniversary of the Romanov dynasty was made cool, you can't put it down. The next morning, after breakfast, we watch yesterday's episode again, filling in the rare gaps in the summary. And we ask questions again. The cool ones go out for an hour and a half ...

***

- The second normal storm was raging just at Kerguelen. We deliberately went north, and then dived into the calm to start repairs. By that time, the fastening of the inner stay burst, we were left without a small staysail, just what we needed in strong stormy winds. The stay was repaired, but the engine repair was unsuccessful, and therefore they flew past Kerguelen.

At 45 degrees inside, the temperature was "+11" in the morning, outside in the afternoon - no higher than "+12". And at the 49th degree, where Kerguelen, there could be "+2". Without a heater and an engine, going to a cold and oh-oh-very stormy place in the ocean is unreasonable. So let's go non-stop. The remaining three storms were within 8-9 points and passed in normal mode. We lay them adrift.

Another of the breakdowns, since you have a statue here. Two diagonal shrouds were torn, the staysail halyard was torn, and we were left again - now all the way to Australia - without a small sail. The wind sensor on the mast failed, and we could judge the strength of the wind only by indirect signs: the height of the waves and the distance at which the wind blows foam from their crests. Two iPads, which served as the main navigation monitors, failed in turn. At death, the MacBook that replaced them.

A couple of loose seams on the sails don't even deserve a mention compared to this list.

Photo: © personal archive of the Klochkov family

Ship's log. February 14

“This passage is somehow duller than others,” I share with the captain the mood of the morning.

- Indeed, how depressingly we are walking! No storms for you for a month, no waves through the roof. Boring! Backstage, 15-20, we sit and drink tea. That's at least 50 knots blowing! But in general, of course, there is not enough fun, like in the Falklands, I agree!

And I'm laughing with Andryukha...

***

— We sorted out the storms and breakdowns. And what kind of disease?

— A couple of days after leaving Cape Town, Nastya developed a fever and was ill for more than a week. We tensed up, of course, considering all the attendant circumstances, but by the 15th day she had recovered, and no one else was sick on the route.

- Finally, holidays and gifts. On March 8, as noted in the ship's log, the cabin boy received a pendant in the form of a shark tooth, the midshipman - an African phone case, and the first mate - a magic body cream.

- Nobody is forgotten, nothing is forgotten!

— What about February 23rd? Tie? Cufflinks? Colored socks?

- Mmmm ... Cake, salad and a smile. Postcard from cabin boy, of course. And a concert.

— By the way, when did the senior sailor become a midshipman? I somehow missed the dynamics of professional growth.

— Nastya graduated from the first level at the sailing school and received Day Skipper RYA (Royal Yachting Association — the oldest and most authoritative system for training captains of sailing and motor vessels. — matchtv.ru). And all the way across the Indian Ocean, every day I sat on the Yachtmaster Coastal video course: maps with a plotter, lessons, homework ...

Photo: © personal archive of the Klochkov family

Ship's log.

Fresh water pump failed again in the morning. Again dismantling the hold to the ground. In the pump, something broke inside the cast part (switch on by pressure drop). The captain thought for a long time and came up with the "nipple" system. He brought the pump activation buttons to the wall of the washbasins in one of the latrines and in the galley. Wires - to the wall with electrical tape. We will make it to Australia on such push-button traction. By night, the hold was assembled, the salon again looked like a residential house, and Nastya cooked lasagna ...

***

- One day, strategically important information about the cabin boy came to the shore: "No matter what she does, as long as there are no lessons." The public was seriously alarmed...

— Well, Lada, like all children, sometimes finds a thousand excuses not to sit down at notebooks. Replaces them with reading - for example, reading textbooks on natural history, English or an anthology on literature. Writing, of course, is not always a desire, especially since in the conditions of pitching it is so-so a pleasure.

But, in spite of everything, she finishes the second grade. And in the Russian Geographical School of the Apostle Andrew the First-Called, to which she is attached, four classes of elementary school are divided into three years. So, according to the knowledge of the young man, he is now somewhere in the middle of the third grade, I think.

Photo: © personal archive of the Klochkov family

Ship's log. March 1

Midshipman Nastya is with you.

Breaking news of the day: the wind is fair, from 15 to 20 knots, and even the sun is shining! In the morning I took the second reef on the grotto with my dad, we go 6 knots, getting closer to Australia. The entire female part of the team is already dreaming of land and forests.

The last two days have been like a breather. Everything is very calm, without huge waves, you can wash a couple of T-shirts, air and dry the yacht and surprise everyone with fresh bread :) . ..

***

- I keep forgetting to ask: how are you with alcohol on board? Do you allow yourself after a particularly hard day at work or on holidays?

- During transitions - a strict dry law. Not a drop! Even guilt. Even if calm. It's like drinking while driving: anything can happen, but alcohol fogs the brain and dulls the reaction.

How drunk we are can be judged by this fact. At the time of buying the boat, six and a half years ago, we got three bottles of rum from the previous owners. Today in the bar - half a bottle of old stock. Of the missing two and a half, we watered the caught fish into the gills so that it would not suffer. And one was sentenced by friends when they came to visit.

At the same time, the bar on Lady Mary always has several bottles of wine, one or two of liquor. Plus the same rum. Even vodka flashes, if someone gives. With the last such gift, we, God forgive me, diluted a remedy for mold: this way it penetrates the tree better. The whole bottle was poured into the walls.

— Marina, does the crew have a feeling that the world has become different while you were performing your usual feats? I'm talking about this damn virus, of course. Or is it not as aggressive at the other end of the planet Earth as it is in our area?

Photo: © personal archive of the Klochkov family

— The level of his aggression in Australia can probably be compared with Russia, but certainly not with Europe. There is no panic. The only difference is that the climate here is much better and immunity is stronger (after the southern summer). So I think. They also swept toilet paper and many products from the shelves, closed the cafe - food can only be taken away. They canceled public events and film premieres, closed traffic even between some states...

The feeling that the world has changed is very persistent, yes. In a bad sense of the word "epochal". From a side note: it seems to me that a common misfortune unites the population of the planet. Decisions are made together, measures are being taken to contain the virus. Together, alas, businesses are collapsing and plans are being cancelled. But we still hope that in the summer we will be able to fly home to Russia.

It is clear that the world will never be the same. And it is not known what restrictions will “survive” after the pandemic is over. Therefore, we decided to just observe for a month, without planning anything.

Photo: © personal archive of the Klochkov family

Ship's log. March 10

There is still a carload of products, but I don’t want any of them. It turned out that before leaving, they didn’t buy enough white flour, gray flour does not inspire anyone to culinary delights. Today for dinner Nastya will cook pasta with spinach, nuts and cream. Sounds good, we'll see. I think instead of cutlets, fry pumpkin with garlic again. Although there will be a vinaigrette.

In general, we have fun eating on the basis of canned food and a limited supply of fresh vegetables. Another half a box of apples, half a bag of onions, lemons and garlic too. Potatoes 8 pieces, two pumpkins ...

***

- We have lots of toilet paper in Russia! We can organize a humanitarian convoy.

- Thank you, but the local Russian-speaking community has already thrown a cry, and about 20 people came to our spontaneous meeting in the park. Almost everyone brought some food and this scarce paper. They offer help with repairs, laundry, even parking fees. Kind people are looking for cheaper options for staying a yacht, because we are stuck for quarantine in not the cheapest country ...

Such help is very touching. I was flooded with gratitude.

- Yes, you are treated like that everywhere, anywhere in the world! It seems to me that it is impossible otherwise... By the way, until recently, Australia was one of the two countries on the planet in which the football season continued. The second is Belarus. "Match TV" even acquired the rights to broadcast , while the point is.

- We visited football three times while standing in South Africa. At the same stadium that was built for the 2010 World Cup. Rooted for FC Cape Town City. It suddenly turned out that I am a very active football fan. I didn’t know, to be honest, that football is such a traumatic sport.

Photo: © personal archive of the Klochkov family

Ship's log. March 12

The watermaker does not turn on on the wave, the water saving mode has been introduced. There is very little of her left. The wave hits the side, the second day we go to the wind more sharply than we would like. And at night a headwind will come from the east and the tacking will begin. We will take them to the north, which will worsen the quality of life and delay the arrival on earth.

The most cheerful in the team is the cabin boy. She teaches the multiplication table and enthusiastically keeps a diary of observing the weather, which does not prevent her from shirking her lessons with all her might. The captain is getting gloomier with each breakdown, I keep my fingers crossed so that the earth will happen before our patience runs out ...

***

— Excuse the idiotic question: are Luin and South Tasmania the same cape? Are there only three great capes? I'm confused...

- Nope. Luin is southwestern Australia. But we decided to bypass it from the south. Then we'll try New Zealand, too, from the south. We will try to capture all the southern capes, what is there!

- So YUT - Great or not so?

- Not really. Luin is cooler.

— Now I understand. And which of the three Great Ones is the greatest?

- Gorn, of course. Then - the Cape of Good Hope.

- Luin closes the top three?

- Luin is still ahead. We originally went to Albany, and if we had kept the route, Luin would have been passed by now. But after a bunch of breakdowns, we decided to go first to the west coast. If not for quarantine, in a couple of weeks Luin would have already been rounded. But for now we are standing near Perth.

Photo: © personal archive of the Klochkov family

Ship's log. March 15

Today is the 51st day of crossing and we have broken our own offshore sailing record. For 62 days of passage from Bora Bora to Cape Horn, we did not see the land for 50 days, but did not set foot on it - 54. The passage from the Strait of Magellan was the longest in terms of "not stepping" on the ground - 55 days, but on the 33rd day we anchored at about. Tristan da Cunha. And it really boosted morale...

***

— Are the global goals for the finish of the circumnavigation, taking into account all the attendant circumstances, preserved?

- And corrected. There was a plan to finish in Tahiti in December 2020, but now it looks like we just can't make it there. Unless, of course, we apply plan C.

According to plan A, by June, having made repairs and having reached Sydney, we had to fly to Russia to visit our mothers and settle the formalities with passports, bank cards, and so on. However, we will not be able to reach Sydney by June: the borders inside Australia are also closed.

Plan B: leave Australia for New Zealand sometime in November and wait out the hurricane season there. And then, in April 2021, head for Tahiti. But if Australia does not open its borders in six months, this plan will also fail.

Photo: © personal archive of the Klochkov family

Ship's log. March 17

Wind gusty, boat unstable on course. Early we were glad that we would have time to reach the port along the smooth sea. In the morning, instead of 20 knots, 30 knots were turned on. And a squall came up from under the rain cloud. The mainsail was filmed enchantingly, they washed themselves with salt from head to toe, the reef rope was pinched at the shrouds, and for the first time I was a real sea wolf: I cut the rope with a deck serrated knife ...

***

- And then we launch plan C: we move straight to the Pacific Ocean for several months and without a call - or with a call, who knows now? - we go to the ports to Tahiti to close the circle. But this is just a pipe, not a plan, to be honest. At the same time, we are still optimistic, expecting a speedy stabilization and even opening of borders.

Well, this process is complicated by the record number of required repairs to our boat, for which, before it can be started and completed, we need to find money. That in the recession of the economy and in the conditions of the free flight of the ruble to sad distances will not be easy to do.

— Poor Lady Mary…

— She is heroic with us! Even breakdowns showed what a large margin of safety it has!

- On this optimistic note, Marina, I will temporarily leave you behind, still being completely stunned by your story. You are best! Motherland will not forget you!

Photo: © personal archive of the Klochkov family

Ship's log. 25 March

Quarantine did not stop the Lady Mary crew from landing in kangaroo country. We managed to enter 2.5 days before the borders were closed for all foreigners.

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