Only 385 nautical miles to go! Doesn’t time fly when you’re having fun? I was going to say that Coyote was sailing along nicely at 9 knots under spinnaker but nothing stands still for long on this boat and I have just had the black monster(spinnaker) dropped on my head as a rain squall blows through. Up until then we were pushing hard to catch up with the opposition; particularly the other two 40.7s.
The day started well will a star and moon filled night surfing the waves- it helps when you can see where you are going. Morning broke, reef shaked out then a few technical glitches the pole up and downhaul parted with the pole with a bang- it’s not just the crew and skipper getting tired. A rapid repair from skipper Matt, a slight feeder (dogs balls) problem, a gybe and up with the spinnaker- all before breakfast (well second breakfast).The next watch Dorado come up wondering what all the fuss was about. It was all peace and calm when they left us.
A couscous creation (what’s left in the cupboard) for lunch under the black monster and now its Dorado’s turn to deal with whatever is thrown at them. I am sure the last 382 miles (now) will go very quickly so we are making the most of them but can’t wait to see loved ones and something (anything!) with rum in it!
Top tips for the day:
· Wet wipes are a must-it’s getting hot and sticky
· Don’t have a salt water shower on deck when the spinnaker comes down.
· Don’t leave the hatch open in the loo during the spinnaker drop- you might get a surprise visitor
· Anyone seen the Russian- English dictionary? - What’s Russian for pull the green one?
· Make sure the skipper has enough fags and lighters for the trip-it’s good for morale and warm food /tea
Peter, Klara,and Ev on Tuna watch and the other lot we pass on the stairs(Jane, Jan, Andrew) and our leader Matt