Crew Blog

Smiles on weather-beaten faces

11 April 2008

Nova Scotia's Andy puts on a brave face as he climbs the mast

Today brought smiles to the weather-beaten faces of the Nova Scotians, as it has been our first downwind day of the race from Hawaii. It’s great to see the spinnaker back in action: it’s what these boats love best and - although technically more involved - it’s very rewarding when you get the trim and helm balance right and squeeze out that extra half-knot.

With downwind work comes a levelling off of the boat, so the spinnaker was very much welcomed by today’s mothers who had a much more civilised galley than the last couple of days. Also enjoying the flatter platform were JC and Andy, who took the opportunity to scoot up the mast and prat around with video and stills cameras. Half the point of sailing is Looking Cool and Andy is quickly learning JC’s patented technique of appearing nonchalant despite hanging by one’s crotch 50 feet above the deck.

Our recent flick north - part of our Investment Helming strategy as we think we might be able to do a dirty dive around the outside of the fleet while they continue beating towards Santa Cruz - has dropped us down the leader board but we seem to be acting as a trendsetter. Other boats are having similar thoughts and putting in a bit of north in the hope of avoiding a long upwind stretch at the end of the race. As ever, please believe that there is method in our apparent madness!

Nina and Brendon

1. Lucy Mendham, Chichester 11 April 2008

Nice work guys - absolutely brilliant to see us near the top of the leader board. That tactic is exactly how WA screamed past us in the last few days of leg3 - fingers crossed it works for us like it did for them! Lucy x

2. Debbie Ketley, Windsor 12 April 2008

Brilliant work Nova Scotia keep up the hard work. Great to see you in 3rd place you can do it all the way to Santa Cruz. Take care Debbie

3. Ingrid Kane, Chichester 12 April 2008

You guys are flying! Hope you keep up at the top end of the leaderboard. Have fun. Ingridx

4. Doreen Anthony, aberystwyth 12 April 2008

Brilliant to see you in the lead,keep it up guys !!

5. Doreen Anthony, aberystwyth 12 April 2008

Brilliant to see you in the lead.Keep it up folks!

6. Janice, Victoria, BC 13 April 2008

Awesome...great sailing....keep it up.
Your tactics are paying off. Cheering you on every day.
Janice

7. Dave & Bobbie, Oxford 13 April 2008

You are in first place! Wonderful, keep going. We are following you all and are really,really
pleased for you. Our special love to you Catherine. Dave & Bobbie xx

8. David Alston, Woburn 13 April 2008

Well done Nova Scotia and Catherine! We are all following your progress. Keep it up!
All that hard work in the Grenadines must have paid off!
Lots of luck to you all onboard and special love to our friend Catherine X

9. Ingrid Kane, Chichester 13 April 2008

Go guys, go. What a race you’re having. Hope the Moose is enjoying the ride! Ingridx

10. Gerry and Tita, Sevenoaks 13 April 2008

How brilliant to see Nova Scotia right up in the front of the pack. Well done and keep it up. Let’s hope you stay right up there all the way to Santa Cruz. Safe and happy sailing and may the winds always be behind you! Gerry and Tita

11. Tim Wyeth, Norwich, UK. 14 April 2008

Congratulations to all the Nova Scotia crew on what you are achieving and especially to Catherine, I’m incredibly impressed.
Myself and Donna will be following your progress and cheering you on to the finish.

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