The sun remained up for the duration of day 3; however we would all have willingly sacrificed a little sun for some more wind - perhaps a sign that there are no girls on board! After gybing onto port tack at around midday, there was little to report on the sailing front until - forced by a wind shift (and a welcome increase in strength) - we dropped the kite at 3am and gybed onto a starboard tack. Whilst we have now all had a little experience hoisting, flying and lowering the kite, it was the first time that we had done this at night. Scrambling around on the foredeck trying to bring the kite down on a rolling boat was certainly an interesting experience - in fact one of the crew reported a groin injury from one of the larger pitches. However he gamely continued until the kite was retrieved an the gybe completed. Frustratingly, no sooner had we completed the gybe, the wind shifted forcing us to bring our course around further west than we would otherwise have wished.
Some of the more eagle eyed among you may have noticed that we appear to have taken a slightly different route to the rest of the boats in our class. Whilst the other boats, on rounding Gran Canaria, have made a fairly direct course towards St. Lucia, Coyote has pursued a more Southerly course. Thus we remain the furthest from the finishing line. However, we remain confident in the tactical genius of our skipper and secret weapon that I can not reveal at this stage. The success of this strategy is likely to have a large bearing on whether we come first or last!
Anecdotes
Yesterday Jamie wished for "more wind and a fish on the line". When I tell you that both his wishes came true, you may be surprised to learn that we didn't dine on fresh fish last night...
After clocking around 20 hours trawling a variety of lures, there was great excitement when the reel was heard dispensing line at a rate of knots. Julien took up the road and began to expertly play the fish aided by Carlo, and the rest of the crew who poured out advice. After a brief battle, Julien began to haul in our catch. As it neared the boat, the gaff was retrieved to haul it out the water by our French chef Yacine, and the crew began to discuss cooking options for Tuna. However disaster struck just as Yacine was reaching out for the fish. Then combined enthusiasm from the crew allowed the Tuna its opportunity to escape which it duly did. Deflated the crew returned to their stations. Even worse the crew then had to make do with Carlo's and my efforts in the kitchen. Whilst tasty it wasn't the best looking dish ever to be served up - perhaps just as well that we didn't eat until it was sufficiently dark that no one could make out what they were eating. The dog bowls from which we eat were certainly appropriate however.
Personal Message
Mum and Dad - you'll be pleased to hear that there are no pirates to report and no hijacked vessels carrying tanks reported on route, perhaps this was a more sensible option.
Giles - I've all ready finished your books - rather wished I'd bought a few more
Kippers and Will - I hope that you haven't destroyed my house yet!
Rose, Anna, and Bearsy - you would love the sun, although you might not like the lack of alcohol on board!
CSMG - Hope that all is well and that, Susie, you have Roland under control!
Francis - Wish came true
From Yacine to Anna - Bon tout va bien, on est passe en mode croisiere et on est bien rodes maintenant... Faut que je passe moins de temps sur mon livre et plus a navigue mais pour l'instant dans le petit temps mon interet n'est pas a son comble... je m y mets cette apres-midi. Le spinakker n'aura plus de secret pour moi. J espere que tu vas bien et que tout se passe bien au bureau. bisous
From Yacine to Maman and Mouna: Effectivement c'est une aventure genial... une vraie expedition par la nature logistique et geographique du voyage mais aussi un grand moment d introspection et de reflexion... On ecoute un peu de jazz en bouquinant. En grande forme. Je vous embrasse.