Freedom - Blog 11 Freedom Wednesday 29th November 2023

Editor Nigel
Day 10 on the big brother boat. I am pleased to report , all Freedom Fighters are well, some hungrier than others. Apparently, certain people are only allowed certain foods!
Hmmm, amazing how some, after only 10 days, can get quite possessive of their Granola! We have, however, just enjoyed a magnificent spread put on by Ian. The galley table resembling a rather posh buffet, one you might expect to find in an up market establishment in Marlow! During preparation CJ turned up the stereo and his music of choice, the Stranglers Greatest hits Collection, I’ve been listening to for decades. It did seem quite surreal. Rolling along on the mid Atlantic swell with tunes conjuring up lots of memories and images of years gone by. Fun and nostalgic.
So , we push on. Lighter winds again today. Between 8 and 14 knots. Still pushing south west, patiently getting down to lower latitudes trying to get under the high pressure to our north, so as we can head up a little closer to the wind and point at St Lucia, at an angle that will be faster sailing (hopefully) Glorious sunshine since dawn. Some showered, some laundry, now hanging on the rail, and some heads buried in their chosen reading material. I personally like to carry several books all around the world with me. I have absolutely no idea why I do it because evidence would suggest I will never read them.
It’s very difficult to remember what day it is out here. And I think it was Monday that the log clocked over onto quadruple figures. 1000nm. All gathered round the display watching it slowly tick towards the 1000, with great celebration when it did. It is now showing 1435 nm to our destination. So our half way point should be met by sometime tomorrow. Ian has mentioned a couple of times that he thinks we will be sad when it’s over. I agree and can see myself investigating further sailing opportunities when I get back to Florida.
A slow one today on board, not a great deal to report. CJ is totally obsessed with the recycling and finds it impossible to walk past the bin with out delving in and commencing the procedure of ramming the rubbish into plastic bottles, one for plastic, one for cardboard one for general waste. In fact he has just come out of the shower waltzing through the galley in his bath towel, and paused to deal with some pressing recycling that apparently needed dealing with before covering his modesty. He announced to the crew last evening that a couple of new receptacles have been established. A bag for cardboard and a bag for tins. He looked so proud.
Spoof is continuing to be the medium to decide who deals with the ‘delicate domestic matter’ or gets the last of the favourite treats. I’m sure the only reason Ian suggested it is the fact he has the secret to win. He’s been out first round every time so far.
I am really enjoying the night watches. Full moons that illuminate the ocean making visibility good. The darker evenings reveal the wonder of the night sky. Sitting on the stern staring into the abyss (when conditions allow).
With the wind dying and an afternoon nap looming I bid you all farewell from Freedom mid Atlantic.

PS. Editor CJH: We have had some negative feedback from sailing friends in the Caribbean on our apparent current 4th position in class. For those of you following our race position I would like to clarify; we are in fact cruising; whilst sailing the boat as fast as we can given Crew experience; gear (small 50 yr old Spinnaker designed for a different boat); white sails built for a sail training boat; we are following the golden ocean cruising rule (always sail at 80% - believe that and you’ll believe anything!) but crucially the current positions do not reflect adjustment for any hours spent motoring or each boats handicap. These factors will be calculated when all boats submit an arrival declaration in St Lucia and the results will be calculated, we might then be last in class and frankly none of us care so long as we all arrive safely and happy, you can call me Bernard (Mottisier) if you like.
I gather Brother Dave has also been receiving inquisitive enquiries in relation to the ‘delicate domestic issue’ referred to in a previous blog. There has apparently been some speculation that the toilet became blocked. I am pleased to report that was not the source of the sensitivity! Answers on a postcard to Dave - winner gets a Pinacollarda if you meet us in St.Lucia!

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