We are definitely in the tradewinds belt today as we have experienced consist NE/ENE winds all day. The swell has been much calmer than the last many days, though the wind strength has also lightened. We are averaging 12 knots of wind with full genoa poled out to starboard and a 1st reefed mainsail. Big celebration today at 1540hrs as we passed our halfway mark - all downhill from here. We are still maintaining around the 150 miles/day despite what appear to be light winds. Tanya and Deb baked more cakes, thanks to the Lemon Drizzle Cake recipe writers. The washing machine came into service for a mammoth 3 loads of washing, the back deck looking like a Chinese laundry on payday. And the moon, nearly full, is shining tonight across the water ahead of us like a searchlight. The casualty of our battery situation is the fridge/freezer which, due to excessive power consumption, has been switched off. Our meat is vacuum packed so will last to St Lucia, but most other things are melting away, especially the butter as we have now turned west. UHT milk cartoons are in plenteous supply so daily milk for breakfast and teas present no problem. We shall try the bucket and evaporating cloth trick to see if we can reduce the temperature of the sundowners, a priority for high morale. Hardship comes in many forms depending upon how you view life. We may not have chilled consumables, but we have sun, sea, food, clean air, and great companionship. Our greatest fear is that our last 10 days will fly past. We shall make the most of them.
I'm writing this at 9.00am on Friday 5th December, Sydney time (I have no idea what time it is with you). As I do every morning, I've read your blog post and gone to check how your tracking on YellowBrick and... YOU'RE SECOND!!!!! A tear came to my eye with so how proud I am and excited for you! WOW! Well done Laros! Fantastic so far, wishing you luck for 18 days!
ReplyDeleteOne thing, it would be great if you could add in a few laymen notes. I have no idea what a gopher, pole gooseneck, the rubber jury kit and the genoa are! ;-)
It has been quite rainy in Sydney for the last few days. Last nights storms set car alarms off all over the place. Ben, Kirsty and I went to see Cirque de Solait last night. It was the 'Totum' performance which is full of African themes and tropical settings. It was SOOOO good! We all walked out wanting to go home and practice our cartwheels. Ben and I make take up the trapeze!! Only joking.
I'm in the process of booking a work trip up to Brisbane next week and will look to see Matt. I spoke to him last week and all is well, a little frustrated with the job but I have put him in contact with a great friend here in Sydney that works at Macquarie Bank to give him some financial insights. They have jobs too!
I hope you have a great couple of days sail. We've got a big weekend planned so i'll tell you all about it on Sunday.
Keep safe!! LOVE YOU xxxx
Likewise - please explain to an actuary all these seafaring terms - I thought you were on a boat to the Caribbean, not a rocket to the moon. The sun is shining here in Singapore - between horrendous thunder storms: sounds just like your trip(?)
ReplyDeleteI'm off to Bahrain and Oman next week - and home for Xmas by the weekend: might coincide with your arrival
.... can you see the front runner? Will you over-take in the last furlong?
Stay safe.
Dan
Great stuff, freezing here on the Wirral! Racing tomorrow on the Mersey, winter thermals required. Looks like you are on target for 18 days and hopefully winning your class. Not more 90 degree rolls!! Enjoy the rest of the trip. JaM
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