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Hot Stuff - Fairies of the Lost Arc - Chapter 13



Day 18 and the smiles on Hotstuff are as wide as the Atlantic. With a mere 600 miles until St. Lucia greets us we have finally moved our minds from our stomachs to what we have achieved in 2200 miles spent at sea. We have realised we already have a lot to be proud of and are spending a moment to reflect.
Although we don't have the statistics we are aware that the number of all female crews that have sailed this vast sea will be limited. We are also aware that the number of crews that have sailed it the 'hard way' - no engine propulsion, no water maker, no generator, no auto helm, just the basics - will be even fewer. We indulge ourselves in feeling like we are making our own personal history.
Nine women who had not even met three weeks ago let alone sailed with each other, have bonded in difficult circumstances and can be magnanimous in saying we know the real meaning of teamwork. Friendships for life have been made without a doubt.
The entire crew have willingly shared responsibilities on a daily basis. We are all proud to have helmed in 0 - 40 knots of winds AND in waves up to 6m at day AND night, through lightning storms, sheet rain, squalls and soaring heat AND at all points of sail. This is seen by all as probably our biggest achievement.
Other tasks we have shared are the cleaning, cooking, bilge checks, rig checks, blog writing and keeping moral high by excellente entertainment or giving hugs when needed. And yes nine women can even share 190 chocolate bars.
The watch system was not a routine that we were used to and yet without fail changeover has been done on time without complaint. Without exception and in all weathers we have woken up to a welcome red head torch and tea or coffee - water rationing permitting - not quite what one would expect in the red light district however!
It has not been easy so far and although we have had to 'man up' us lovely ladies of Hotstuff have tried our best to match up to her sexiness and keep up our feminine side. (feel free to judge our success and welcome us into Rodney Bay in the early part of next week)
 
When we consider the trials and tribulations we have endured as can only be the case when we test our fantastic yacht in such circumstances, we think to our fellow sailors aboard the yacht that just lost their rig. There is always someone who has it tougher than you and we wish them safe passage and are looking out for them over the horizon.
 
As we have faced our own challenges we can be proud that we have maintained the rules we had agreed to before departing Las Palmas:
#1. We are a team and look out for each other at all times, in any weathers and circumstances.
#2. We are a calm boat and do not shout at each other.
#3. There is no such thing a stupid question - which is why we are still allowed to ask Nikki "are we nearly there yet".
 
Torn between reaching our goal and not wanting this amazing experience to end. We continue our passage towards the glowing setting sun, followed by a pod of dolphins with delicious sweat potato stew in our bellies.
 
With love and Fairy Dust from the Girls4Sail crew on Hotstuff.

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