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Northern Child - ARC DAY 7: 3/12 (19.1N 35.2W) - written by Adolfo



Today is a special day: it is end of week one on board Northern Child and we will be crossing the midpoint of the rally sometime soon
 
Everyone on board will be happy to start counting down days. We are tired from little to no sleep followed by sessions at the helm in strong waves and winds, getting wet with spray and finding it hard to dry cloths outside the noon-4pm time bracket. NOw we approach the Weest Indies side of the race we expect more heat and dryer conditions
 
This was always going to be a challenge and an adventure. A week in it feels that way with most of us needing a break or pit-stop. One that will only come when we get to St. Lucia or at least when weather changes a bit. This is an Atlantic crossing after all ;-)
 
Last nite, we had a bit of a scare when around 10pm, with extremely darck sky and strong winds, the team accidentally gybed and suddenly stop. With shock I was jumping out of my bunk thinking we hit something and then with Christian corrected boat it moved back so if felt very disconcerting down below (and the floor felt hard when I landed). I know those on shift did not enjoy the experience on deck either. Suffice to say that mood for the remaining of the nigh was very subdued and we were thankful Christian was happy to put a gigantic 4 hour monster stint at the helm... I was sooooooooooooo glad when the shift was over.
 

Fatigue is kicking in undoubtedly but crew still in good spirit. No arguments, no recriminations and good camaradery. Lets keep it that way one more week. Food continues to be very good and the Happy hour is very welcome.
 
We keep hearing about boats that retired and I keep thinking of those in lighter less stable boats. I sincerely hope they are ok and hope to tast with them in St. Lucia when we can say WE MADE IT !!!! All in all we are still very fortunate
 
In the meantime, the boat keeps sailing at 10 knots, with Force 7 winds with the ocassional 8... One more week or so, hoping to get to St.Lucia no later than Dec 13th
 
Regards from the middle of nowhere ;-)
Adolfo




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