Crew Blog

The effects of racing off the coast of Mexico

04 May 2008

It was a moonlit night in old Mexico, and as I wandered around some old adobe hacienda’s I suddenly heard the plaintiff cry of a young Mexican girl - “trim, trim, trim”… As we sail along this enchanting country, it was a subtle hint that we are at last racing again along yet another “look but don’t touch” coastline with descriptions as alluring as “sandy plains covered with sage brush, dry lagoons and prickly cactus”.
After two months of not racing, you might think we’re ‘out of touch’; however, these three Amigos couldn’t be more focussed on tactics, course and trim. We may enjoy ourselves but any time; day or night, there is no hesitation to get on deck and perform sail change after sail change; whatever it takes.

I can honestly say we’re enjoying this new race; we’ve had the “race to race” to Hawaii, the “race to catch up” to Santa Cruz and now we’re in the “race to win”. Everything feels right on board, focus, teamwork, sail trim, humour, and we may not be at the front but it’s not far away.  We’ve made huge gains and plundered them overnight, we’ve shared the experience, the decisions, the trim, the helm and everyone has learnt heaps. Now it’s time to apply the skills and make them count before its too late.

Unfortunately we can’t do much without wind! We’ve tried the inshore route, watched others take the offshore route, and for now we’re sailing the shortest route, not trying to chase wind. Our tactical team is devoted to sticking by strategy, so come calm or storm that’s where we’ll go and you’ll have to wait and see if it pays. For now on board its back to the deck, to trim, trim, trim…

Martini Gonzales