Crew Blog

The morning after the night before…

07 March 2008

We emerged from our bunks bleary eyed and a little hazy.  In the fresh light of day the reality really sank in, the edge of slight hysteria replaced with one of sobriety.

Post mast it was quickly decided to start motoring toward Midway Island (very fitting).  I had been filming throughout the mayhem and so felt a little separated from the action.  I wanted some alone time with the Big Blue Boat to reconnect with her and take stock of what had happened.  Myself and Jack helmed throughout a very eerie night.  We were in complete darkness, the sky merging with the sea to form a black canvas. Not even a mast light to highlight our presence.  We were completely alone in this vast stretch of ocean.

Today we have finally hoisted our Jury rig (very exciting in the sailing world) our two storm sails with their white background and a central day-glow orange spot resemble a Japanese ‘rave’ boat.  Marty has managed to fix our substitute mainsail more securely by re-rigging a halyard from the top of our ‘half mast’ –a trying task when there’s nothing to harness onto and blowing 30knots. We are now discussing other systems by which to make our rig faster and stronger.

Quite early on in the cleanup, it was mentioned this would be the ultimate team building exercise, it certainly was – we have worked together better than ever before, communicating clearly and reacting to unfolding events quickly and calmly.  I feel proud to be part of such a crew.  Amongst it all I trust the Big Blue Boat unconditionally; she is ploughing through the Pacific with endurance, strength and determination.  We still have an Ocean to cross and will do so as before, as quickly and as safely as we can.

Lou Bennett