ARC BLOG - TUESDAY 27TH 13:00 - 48 hours in
Are we there yet? What day is it?
Team Tigress have certainly spanned what feels like a Fastnet, in 48 hours. The only difference is how many apples we have on board!
Our 9 strong team have certainly had plenty to bond over: kites up, kites dropped; kite wrapped, kite unwrapped like champions; clip on, clip off and immediately back on with no messing; items lost, items found🙄; lack of sleep, sleep at last; sun cream and shorts, salopettes and hats. I mean, it’s the usual offshore racing stuff; but this ocean crossing is definitely far more of an operation.
The boat, for one, is organised to a precise science, it’s so impressive; with every inch utilised for storage, labelled and ready to go. Navigating the inside of the boat is currently feeling like way more of an accomplishment, then the miles we’ve crossed on this crazy, vast ocean. Everyone has been learning where everything is, with each watch routine and job list being executed on point already. The light to moderate winds have been a blessing, allowing us time to bond, suss our strengths, make mistakes, correct and learn, make mistakes again. Hopefully we“lol be ready for the slightly stronger weather.
Plus we have had the personalities to conquer. I can’t quite fathom that we still have at least 12 more days to go. What am I doing here with these strangers? Offshore racing has always astounded me, by how a motley bunch have to become a team. If we want to do well, we have to support and nurture each other, sacrifice our idiosyncrasies and be compassionate beyond belief. And we’ve only just begun...
There has been grumping. Characters and moods are showing. But I have to remark how in 48 hours we are already showing patience (well more patience) with each other and I feel that we have a really nice team. No lazy ones here, so far. And again I remark at how teams are made, when the goal is the same.
Glenny and Lou have shown great character in dealing with our weaknesses and teaching us. As tired as we already are, we’re still here and we’re still in this to do well.
I’m not quite sure how this ocean crossing is about to unravel or how it will affect me, as each offshore race I’ve completed always does. Especially the teachings about myself, that become apparent. Again I push my limits and I’m glad to do so with a lovely bunch of people.
Bring it!
Marilyn Napaul
TEAM TIGRESS on Jua Kali
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