Race 12 - Day 17
Crew Diary - New York, USA to Derry-Londonderry, Northern Ireland
07 July
Are we nearly there yet? The answer,
YES! Finally! And good job too, not sure how much longer I can put up
with these grumpy old men :)
It's been a chilly and productive day all round for
Port watch; we've been on the 3 watch rotation today and are on our final watch
(hopefully) as I type.
Garmin have fled and were nowhere in our sights or
mitts and the behind boats are highly unlikely to creep up on us so we are no
longer in race mode. We've been changing sails accordingly and efficiently but
without the pressure. In fact the only pressure we've had today was when a
low front whizzed through creating a little havoc and we had to put in 2 reefs
and then change down to the Yankee 3. Like a lot of these fronts it came
and went quickly so we shook out the reefs and maintained a nice speed towards the
finish. It was in our off watch when things got a tad crazy on deck, which
meant there was no sleeping for me. 3 reefs were put in and we were still
heeled incredibly over.
We've actually had just about every type of sailing
today. On return to deck the wind had back and we were now
reaching. A good start to the penultimate shift on this race and
also a great sail plan to enjoy the sunset. Up went the Yankee 1 again and then
a discussion about whether or not to fly a kite. Weighing up the pros and cons
we decide that because we are where we are, and as mentioned before
we are not going to be caught or catch anyone, lets remain with the easier sail
plans.
So even though a lot has happened, it also hasn't.
What I discovered this week was that I am fussy! I
really didn’t know I was until the whole boat told me so. Apparently I am
the most fussy eater out of everyone. I just can't believe it! Just because I
like a certain amount of sauce to rice ratio when it comes to a chili con
carne, and I like my toast, toasted a certain number of times before eating
it. And did I mention no fingering my food. I can't stand
people touching my food...why do they need to put their hands (which have been
in their mouth, I can see them lick their fingers!) all over my
food? ...so yeah. That happened!
Anyway, I'm rambling because there's not much to say
except that WE'RE NEARLY THERE! I am very much looking forward to
the delights of land and what Derry-Londonderry has to offer, and hopefully by
the time this goes out we shall be an arms reach away from a nice glass of proseco
(Paul, you got me prosecco right?!).
Right off back to deck... or watch Hughie make 2
loaves of bread for breakfast! (yes we are that bored the 21 year old is
making bread at 3am!)
Lots of love beauties
Lara xxxx