Numerology
We are becoming obsessed by numbers: DTW – the distance remaining to our St Lucia waypoint; BTW – the bearing on which it lies; the reduction in the DTW achieved by each watch (a matter of some competition); COG – the course we can actually achieve, which depends upon the shifting wind direction and should ideally be the same as the BTW to avoid having to gybe before we get there. We refer to them endlessly and at the moment the numbers and their trend are looking good.
AT noon today the DTW was 81.8 nautical miles, the BTW was 278 degrees, the last three watches (overnight) achieved a reduction of 90 miles between them (i.e. an average speed of 7.5 knots) and the COG is a little high at 295 degrees (north of our preferred course, but not a major problem). We have a sweep on when we will arrive, with estimates ranging from 23:30 GMT tonight (Thursday) to 01:30 GMT tomorrow (Friday). Not long now, either way. We are already laying out our arrival clothes (almost another quote from Simon and Garfunkel), placing the race number on our starboard rail and, most importantly, chilling the Mumm Cordon Rouge.
Musical recap
Yesterday's log omitted to say that the previous night we were entertained by a party playlist that Jeff had put together for the last party he hosted at home. Judging by the content the last time Jeff hosted a party was in about 1965. But seriously, we enjoyed a spot-on selection of tracks from 50s rock and roll onwards, including a stand-out handful of songs from the Boss, and it had us all singing along (see picture). Last night Jake entertained us at happy hour with his own choice from the boat's repertoire, including some atmospheric songs by Moby, a clutch of early Beatles singles and our favourite, The Streets – A grand don't come for free (so funny and clever, just don't let the children listen too closely to some of the words).
Sailing symbols
We sail on towards our destination under our preferred rig – poled-out genoa, wing on wing with the main. It's a great look and really powerful downwind. Today we were lucky enough to catch a rainbow between the two sails – surely a positive omen. Other properly symbolic images are the two flags flying on the starboard spreader – the St Lucia courtesy flag and the burgee of the Royal Motor Yacht Club in Poole – the two ends of this whole venture, destination and home port, separated by six and a half months and about 3,600 miles.
Footnote: *Homeward Bound – an easy one this – sublime early material from Simon and Garfunkel, but appropriate here because, although our initial objective is St Lucia and the end of the rally, we really feel we are on the home straight and heading for home on the other side of that finish line.
Andrew, Lucinda, Jake and Jeff
Noon, Thursday 13th December, 2012