So we make a series of checks around the boat to make sure she's properly settled down for the night. Rigging check, ensure battery charged, double-check forecast against sail plan since we'd prefer if we can to have sails up that will see us through the night with a minimum of changes and of course meanwhile, Dan is preparing our evening meal (see photo). Looking forward to the roast veg, Dan!
Tonight we anticipate slightly less wind, so are leaving the heavy kite up with the snuffer attached. Whilst we're racing and have six on board only three of us will be on watch at any given time. While we can always call up the sleepining off-watch it's something not to be done lightly, as crew that are still dozy from their slumbers are likely to make more mistakes and be unsteady on their feet for the first few minutes.
If we have a night like last night we'll be very lucky. Surfing down the waves in 25 knots of wind, yet under control and feeling as if we were on a starry magic sleigh-ride. Wonderful!
Of course, you'll be tucked up, cosy in your beds and missing all this.
Poor you!
Tom.
Dan_cooking