Crew Blog

A flying start

29 October 2007

It feels good to be racing again. Our time in Salvador was fun, and a welcome taste of civilisation, but by the end of it we were more than ready to be sailing once more.

We all really enjoyed the race start. The blue skies and good wind helped enormously, but the best part was that the Rasta Rocket was on amazing form. We crossed the start line in fourth place and then were flying. The boats were closely matched as usual, with much jostling for positions, and at one point we were so close to New York Clipper we could have almost stepped across between the boats. The strategy of bribing the helm (Jon Gibbard) with biscuits each time he took us over ten knots was inspired. It was a great feeling to be racing head to head and pulling away from the fleet, and reassured us that we really can sail as fast, or faster, that the other clippers.

Eventually, the fleet began to separate. There are now two main groups. The largest pack seem to be taking the rhumb line – the shortest distance between Salvador and Durban- and are heading east. We are in the pack that is heading south. The plan is to try and pick up some stronger winds that should help us a bit later on. It’s always a gamble second-guessing the weather, but we’ll just have to hope it pays off.

Nova Scotia Clipper is using similar tactics. Earlier today we passed so close to them on the opposite gybe that the two skippers were able to communicate on the hand-held VHF. In true British fashion there was a chat about the weather and cups of tea were offered between the two boats. Unfortunately, neither boat had managed to find any chocolate hob nobs in Salvador, and the strawberry creams we’re being fed are really no substitute.

One love,

Claire