Captain’s Log. Star Date 02 Dec.
Day 12. Thirteenth day on the water.
2236 GMT.
2236 Local.
12º 56 N
045º 10W
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Another great day.
Warm sailing. No precipitation that some of our peers to the north and west are apparently experiencing.
Certainly no westerly breeze for us at the moment.
A pleasant 17 knots of true wind at about 070 TWD (estimated as our instruments are still having a temperamental day, again).
With a health waxing half-moon, due to set at about 0400, it makes for wonderful night sailing.
Tom has taken to calling me ‘Fearless Leader’ which cracks me up each time. This morning we had an issue with the Code Zero before we hoisted. Meaning we were bare headed for a couple of hours. The team are beginning to gather a sense of urgency in what they do and how they do it. It matters not whether one is racing or cruising; the underlying mindset is the same — boat comes first, we all serve Neptune.
These moments when we are sailing slower a few knots all adds up. Say we are a couple of knots slower for a couple of hours whilst mending something that could have been mended before, over the course of 3,00 nautical miles, these add up to a day or so slower getting across the pond.
Afternoon was spent with the main sail down. Some of the sliders (the uppy / downy bits that hold the sail in the mast {sticky uppy thing}) had parted and cracked. Was actually a really smooth exercise. Great work by our head of engineering.
I even managed to enjoying being in a laying position for a couple of hours this afternoon. Not sleep, relaxing is restorative in its own comparative way.
We had our sub-1000 miles party today. Tasty yummy yums food washed down with a small glass of red. We had an ‘airing of laundry’ session; where any gripes or gremlins get aired. Being more mindful of those that are sleeping was one outcome.
That the team are able to share feelings this way is very important and really quite special. Our stated objective is to create the space where once we get to the other side, we’d be happy to sail back again together as a team.
I had a lovely message from Louise on TakeOff earlier. Also a couple of nice chats with the crew of Elenora on VHF who are very close to us. Great how many special friendships can be built miles from anywhere, in a shared, hostile and remote place.
Soon to sleep. Some clear head and strategic decisions to be tackled over next few days.
A long 900 miles awaits.
Fair breeze,