Crew Blog

Towing the line

11 May 2008

Life under tow onboard westernaustralia2011.com

The desire to race the race is most definitely on, even when we were under tow. It must be an amusing sight to see two 68’ yachts, one towing the other in order to conserve fuel.

While enjoying life under tow, we could laze back into our reduced watch systems of watching videos, the kettle boil and read a mag’. Just as well there’s no paint on board!
Interestingly, one crew member has another version of ‘under toe’, as his large nail is being replaced by a sleeker new model, his older toenail is about to snap, (makes your eyes water doesn’t it).

It came as no surprise that the wind dropped off and, after a swift exchange of goodies, it was time to release that proverbial tow and watch Durban 2010 and Beyond, our converted tug boat, slip away to port. So under our own steam we powered up to eight point five knots.

On this bright and cheery morning it offered the chance for some practice drills for the new leggers, and although us ‘round the worlders’ may have thought we were too experienced for games of this type, we couldn’t resist watching eagle-eyed. They were each given a task to complete in unlimited time but with absolutely no assistance from other crew. Oh how quickly we had forgotten our maiden days on this same Big Blue Boat!

On to Panama, via a quick fuel stop at Costa Rica, where we will have to tow the line of the Canal pilots as our skippers are temporarily made redundant.

Clive “Mr Miaggi” Frost

1. Dave of 'A' Watch, Fleet, UK 13 May 2008

Judy,
You know how to pass the time - Where in the world? What’s in the bag? Where’s the James Blunt CD? I Spy (something begining with ‘W’?), learning to tie the the ‘Flying Bowline’, or teach Andy Bears’ version of astro navigation. The ‘How long before we run out of loo roll? game always focuses the mind.
Or inflate the dinghy on deck and create your own pool...happy cruising, but get a move on!
Looking forward to seeing you in Jamaica,
Dave

2. Ange, Torbay 14 May 2008

Hello, folks! JK - get your arse to New York! Group of lovely ladies plus wifey will only just overlap with your intended dates....but you lot are slow! Have fun in the sun!