Crew Blog

Furrowed brows in the nav station

14 November 2007

There are furrowed brows in the nav. station at the moment. We’ve been totally spoilt for days now. Hooning along at great speeds, surfing 4-5 metre waves- all taking us exactly in the direction we want to go. The boat has felt truly alive, dancing about the waves, and then the sudden kick as she powers up and surges down the surf as if excitedly pulling at the reins. There is consensus amongst our watch that this has been some of the most fun helming we’ve done so far.

But now we’ve crossed the Agulhas Bank and are within a few miles of the South African coast the winds are less favourable. The choice is between speed and course. We put in a gybe this afternoon, which ended up with us heading out to Fremantle. We’d have been a bit early: clearly not in the style of Jamaica Clipper. So we gybed back again. Then the wind shifted and there was talk of the kite. But it shifted back again, almost mid discussion. It would seem like the next few days are going to involve constantly varying conditions, with course alterations and sail changes galore. We’ll have earned our beers by the time we reach Durban!

There were challenges in the galley too, today. How to make chocolate brownies when the instructions were in Portuguese (Brazilian shopping). They needed only eggs and butter (so the picture suggested)– neither of which we had. Olive oil and black treacle they got. They’ve all been eaten, which was lucky. The store cupboard is looking bare, the meal options more and more basic. We think we may have another 3-4 days left before the finish. Hopefully the mothers will manage to dig deep and find some inspiration for meals from somewhere, or it’ll be tinned fish and mash potato until we reach port. Yet another incentive to sail fast.

One love,

Claire

1. gatbarncroft, portsmouth 14 November 2007

I hope the winds get better and you don’t have to open the tins.
I know 3-4 days is long for you, but it’s short for us at least when you come back you look at food differently. Go Jamaica Go!!

2. Chris Pearson, Birmingham 14 November 2007

Yo Jamaica,

Sounds absolutely fantastic. You all must be exhausted but immensely proud of the achievement so far.You are closing in on WA with the rest of the fleet bunching up for the run in. It’s very exciting stuff this armchair racing! I’m sure Bernard has a personal stash of cous cous and veg soup mix, guaranteed to raise the spirits!

Nick is absolutely right, when he say’s you lot deserve total respect.

One Love,

Brummie Chris

3. tim ruane, jersey 14 November 2007

come on guys your doing so well keep fighting you can pick a few more off before durban go for it
tim

4. Duncan Bagshaw, Birmingham, UK 14 November 2007

Come on the lads!

You’ve been sailing like legends recently. Position is misleading given miles sailed and consistent good speeds. I’m so proud!

See you all soon

Duncan

5. Dale Parkinson, Taunton 15 November 2007

Good to hear your enjoying yourselves even though the food situation sounds a bit rubbish, keep going and see if we can close the gap with westernaustralia 2011.com. its a good job youre working hard we wouldnt want you getting beers for nothing now would we! hoon jamiaca hoon!!!

6. Tom & Rowena Connor, Kingston, Jamaica 20 November 2007

Hope you are all having a good time and keeping up the reputation of the Jamaica party spirit! We’re looking forward to sharing some Red Stripe with you when you reach Port Antonio.
Regards
Tom & Rowena Connor

7. Geoff Kitchen, Norfolk, England 20 November 2007

Please take great care of our teacher Kate Hearsum.
We all expect faster times now Kate’s on board !

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