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Skyelark of London - Start of leg 3



4th of March

Leg 3 began right on schedule Sunday noon. Watching 30 plus boats weigh anchor after a week to become entangled in close quarters was something of a master class. It had to be right, because each of the other boats were judging style and artistic interpretation. The easiest way seemed to drive out on the dinghy and pull it up by hand. Skyelark had three sails up almost immediately, although it might have been quicker if some of the crew were not determined to capture the event on film. The weather was perfect with blue sky and winds of 12 knots and it was nice to get out of the stifling Ecuadorian heat. On the bad side, personal grooming was delayed for crew unwilling to shower in ship's water unwarmed by lack of any need to motor.

Crew for this leg to the Marquesas include Richard and Sarah, veterans of the previous leg from Las Perlas to the Galapagos. The newbies are hoping the hangers on were not responsible for the doldrums during that trip, but it does not appear to have been their fault, so far. The winds have been a gentle 10 to 15 knots and the seas have been calm and beautiful. Richard was purportedly responsible for much of Skyelark's previous success catching fish for dinner. He has not yet demonstrated this skill to new crew, perhaps jinxed because some are scared to death of sushi for dinner. Food allergies and fetishes aside, cooking has been shared and meals have been good. Afternoon fresh warm banana bread was even better.

Magda is a biologist from Poland, Colin a Brit and retired project manager for BMW now less interested in land travel and Sherri a recovering attorney from San Francisco where, yes, she did see every race in the America's Cup and which yes, was totally awesome. Warm weather sailing comes as an unfamiliar pleasure to all. 2684 nm to go, and it will pass too soon.

Sherri


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