“A week in politics is a long time”…….and it would appear a day in ocean sailing is just as long.
Not much over 24 hours ago, Escapado was charging forward behind her spinnaker and reconfigured ‘Sam’s pole”. Despite a decision on the part of the main sheet coupling to part company with the boom (rapid repair under pressure and darkness) and experiencing a significant squall, excellent speed and distance resulted in a favourable position come ARC reports the following morning.
Since then we have been making very slow progress as we labour through a significant wind hole. We’re it not for the fact we are racing, joy could be taken from the beautiful clear skies, almost flat azure waters, captivating long ocean swell, and occasional visits by inquisitive pods of dolphins. The competitive spirit is strong, however, and every effort is being made to eek out every possible speed from nonexistent winds….. whilst hoping competition suffers travails too.
The certain extension to this cruise is also introducing concerns regarding sufficiency of drinking water, food ,….and toilet rolls.
Fresh food is all but consumed but team spirit/morale is good (amazing given 10 bodies cooped up on a 40 foot boat for over a fortnight) and ingenuity is producing interesting solutions to what can be served with what ( not quite sure to describe as ‘Atlantic fusion’ cooking or desperation.
Starting to dream that the finish line, as well as shower and beer, is in sight. That we now have less than 700 miles to go does give added impetus
SFSM
angela at the helm