Crew Blog

The magic of motoring

08 May 2008

Since finishing the race on the 6th May we have been working towards becoming true connoisseurs of the delights of motoring. There is something for everyone to keep us from aimlessly gazing the horizon (this does not include daydreaming, which is most acceptable past time), whilst pushing through the rather flat Pacific at a steady 9kn (this is an increase of 2kn since our pit stop at the Banana Bay, big grins).

There is the newly founded Geri Gym to keep our geriatrics supple, junior members are allowed to join only if they can master the plank (six packs are returning, Anna, and it is not the same without you). Swimming is enjoyed by all and on occasion it has also given us an excellent chance to hone our man overboard pick-ups when some poor devil has drifted slightly too far from the old girl dangling onto a horseshoe (fear not our avid fans, it is all done in a very professional and controlled manner). But the daily bodysurfing offered at the back of the boat whilst holding onto a halyard is only for the courageous and strong armed ones. These water sports bring great relief from the heat that still bothers us all and thus sleeping on deck has become a rule rather than exception, only the hard’uns endure the ghetto.

This is not just test for the body but for the mind as well. The ongoing Murder Mystery keeps us on our toes and plotting for the most furtive way of getting our victim. This has had a somewhat hindering effect on working on the boat since we’ve all turned into very uncooperative crewmembers in fear of handling a potential weapon – no more “please pass me the winch handle” or “can you do the pit for the yankee drop”, no, it’s “do it yourself” all the way now. The book club congregates in the saloon under the red lights every night from 8pm onwards.

We are also entertained by large numbers of uncommonly springy dolphins, far venturing turtles, barracudas, few sharks, pelicans, the odd floating coconut (frequently mistaken for a seal), shooting stars and the glorious Milky Way. We were lucky to have a brief, but heart warming visit from an exhausted swallow who rested on both crew and deck before passing away. There wasn’t a dry eye in sight.

For those of you who might be concerned that we’ve forgot what it is like to sail, rest assured, we hoist and drop the headsails at least 3 times on every watch, just to keep us on the ball. We do have to report though that Doris has fallen off the wagon quite magnificently and is back on coke due to the kind hospitality of our Costa Rican hosts.

We can almost smell Panama now and boy, are we ready to race again!

Plenty Hugs and Giggles,

Doris and Tiina