After the frustration of an unexpected 48 hr. delay to the start due to strong southerly winds the start was announced as earlier than expected on Tuesday at 11 am. No boats to leave harbour before 10 am. and the marshalling area within the outer harbour left most people wondering if it was possible to get over 200 yachts to sea that way in the time available with no collisions. So we went for an English breakfast to think about it while John Dixon went to do more last minute shopping! and left harbour just in front of the rush at 9:58!
In the end all went well and we had an uneventful start getting away towards the front of the fleet. The wind was up to 30 Knots from the N/NE with big rather confused seas making for a challenging first 24 hrs. We covered 212 miles in the first 24 hrs.with some eventful moments along the way as the crew find their feet again. It was rough in the night with various crew struggling to stay in the bunks and some ending up sleeping on the floor....me
The Charlie and Jonnie show has got off to an auspicious start in the galley delivering plenty of good food , left on board by Karen Barton and Anne Kay in the freezer last week, much to the relief and thanks of us all.
William Barton is somewhat concerned that we are not right at the front of the fleet but we are making good progress all the same. We caught a fish which created a problem in that the filleting knife has been hidden (by Charlie and Karen?) and that caused much concern.....
The wind instruments have gone on the blink again and we will have to take the forward cabin to bits again to get to the connection box but that was too much for today.
We have spent the day dealing with various minor snags that always seem to occur on sailing yachts particularly new ones? A routine is settling in now with 3 hr. watches in pairs from 9 pm until 9 am rotating through the 3 teams and less formal arrangements in the daytime.
Tired now and ready for 2 hrs. kip before getting dressed again for the first watch of the night.
All is well on Puddlejumper and we are looking forward to warmer and calmer conditions but face another two days of strong winds of up to 30 Knots from the North first.
Love to all from the crew.
WSMc