The Forward Starboard team are on watch again (at 12.30pm) catching the prevailing winds trying to stay ahead of our fellow competitors (mainly the Humbolt!). We have a moderate South Westerly wind and an air temperature of 17 degrees. All taken turns on the Helm whilst watching the British ensign flying patriotically. Unfortunately last night we polished off the haribo shoes whist watching the sun set behind the parade of ship-shaped silhouettes (hopefully Jason will restock be fore tonight's midnight watch!). To prepare for the race in the morning we released the gaskets restraining the Topsail- any excuse for the `Heavy Gang' (Martin and Sophia) to go aloft! This was followed by a trip aloft this morning to loosen the buntlines!
Last but not least, as we were coming up to the start line, all ships were jostling to take the racing line, whist the rest of the crew took a Kodak moment! Topped off by another of Becky's scrumptious lunches- delicious!
Written by the Heavy team on behalf of Jason (our leader!), Martin, John, Tony, Mark, Alison, Sophia, Jussi of the F/S watch!
As the afternoon sun starts to think about leaving us for the day, we continue to pound south, chasing what seems to be most of the Tall Ships pack. The wind and the roll of the ship has picked up as we are now under sail, causing a few people to retreat to their beds! Due to Murphy's Law the wind is backing South South West, the direction we w ant to be heading in. A long evening waits for the night watches, wit h frequent `tacks' to be needed.
As the night passed, we managed to take Kronos, a small Dutch ship, on the starboard side. Only 100 more to go...
Temperature at 4 am: 16 degrees
Wind Speed: Gusting Force 4, S/SW
Kiwiguy