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Gauntlet of Tamar - Day 15 - free for all on the stores declared by quarter master



Hi all

Its been a while since I've written the blog in favour of each of the crew having their turn.


The last couple of days have seen some exceptional sailing conditions with winds of around 20kn, the swell height today has somewhat increased with a wave height of maybe 5 metres at its peak earlier today, the wavelength was shorter than previously experienced which has led to some spectacular surfing down the face of these waves as they pass, our top speed today was 11.7kn, not bad for a 25 year old boat. I also realised today that this year I've done more miles in the boat than in my car, that's a lot of hours when your average speed is 6kn!


The crew are pulling together really well and the daily routines required to keep us going have become second nature, the rig checks have proved themselves invaluable with all issues so far caught in good time before anything worse could happen. Hugo has consistently been in top form with boundless energy and attacking all tasks put in front of him with vigour and a smile / joke and usually a song belted out with equal gusto!! A free for all has also been declared on the stores which Hugo has been diligently guarding for the last couple of weeks as we have a good supply of sweet treats remaining. Tom was particularly delighted by this as he has quite the sweet tooth and instantly dived into the nutella with some partially gone off bread sticks!! I think its the happiest I've seen him thus far!

Steph and Nick last night managed to put a reef in without waking me at all and it was not till I came on deck later ready to put one in that I found it already done!! This may not sound like much but as the skipper you get so used to every sound and motion of the boat that the slightest changes usually wake you immediately. Well done guys!!

As Steph mentioned the other day its hard to not let ones mind wander to the finish at St Lucia where we hope to be at some time on Friday. We do however need to stay focused on our sailing as it would be a real shame to break something now!

Having the satellite phone has been a real blessing as we have been able to keep in touch with our loved ones at home which really helps keep people happy. I have Steve to thank for the phone as he brought it for his Sigma but no longer needed it, thanks buddy.

Anyhow I better get off to bed now as it looks like it might be a bit of a bumpy night so sleep will be hard to come by!

Andy
Gauntlet out

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