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Idea of London - VQ race team update 4 Sun Dec 1 17.30 UST



Thump.. thump.... thump.... thump.... from down below the impact of IDEA
smashing into waves at 15 knots shuddered through the boat. Sleeping tricky
once again - either thrust up against a wall on the low side or clinging on
for dear life to prevent falling out of bunk on the high side. Up top, nice
steady breeze, great driving and a few shooting stars to keep us
entertained. Having had a few hours to sort out the boat yesterday, we were
somewhat out of the shift routine but over today we're back on track.

Todays highlights probably culminate in me (Ben) preparing what can only be
described as the best tomato salad for an 800 mile radius, almost
undoubtedly the most delicious meal we've had since we left. In fact i'd
have written more tonight but have been so busy preparing this veritable
feast of slightly over ripe tomatoes, onion and garlic that time ran away
from me. Even trying to get to the chart table to type up this blog was
tricky as i had to deal with the adulation, back slaps and compliments
coming my way.
So what actually happened? It feels that we've now punched through the low
pressure thats been dogging us. Outside of those on shift managing to steer
our course right to the mark at giid speed, up on deck Ig snoozed into
daybreak and retreated only when Rupert appeared looking shaken, not stirred
in the galley as he moved like a koala bear up the steps to the pit. Steady
wind and great sailing was order of the day.

Importantly, there've been some attacks on supplies. We are already facing
critically low levels of cutlery having thrown most over the side. Now
chocolate, biscuits and crisps have been raided (probably as people were
desperate for decent food - (no doubt rectified with my fabulous and dare i
say unforgettable tomato salad). Quartermasters Ludo and Alice have stepped
in, confiscating all food and implementing strict rationing henceforth. Some
of us noticed them demolish a tin of ambrosia rice pudding that was
'surplus'. Oh to be in charge of rationing...
We are also on water rations - the quick hose down following the undoubted
high of a mid Atlantic swim yesterday has left us v low on water
(fortunately I managed to swipe some to rinse the tomatoes). Toothbrushing
and hand washing are challenging. Its amazing how much we use a tap
everyday - when you switch it off its very noticeable.
Al caught a flying fish (creating inevitable hand washing issues), read
Ludos mid life crisis book, dismissed it as rubbish and then lost at
backgammon 3-0 (to me)). We saw our first other boat in a few days (big
container ship), Alice had a great drive on helm before losing at backgammon
(to me). Lucas found fresh sheets, enjoyed driving again as did Tom, both
declined a game of backgammon (for obvious reasons). Ed has been the dark
horse, either doing pressups in a meaningful manly way across the cockpit or
chilling in his bunk. The fresh sheets are already as damp as the last ones
btw.
We've now taken down the jib, put up the big kite and are cruising toward
the finish with a level boat :) , and yet another squall coming through. We
look at our competition and see their positions, but know they fear us and
lets face it, no boat can rival us for morale - or salad.


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