Race 11 - Day 18
Crew Diary - Sleep Deprivation and Ocean Racing
17 May
Ocean racing and sleep deprivation are inseparable. Running a race boat 24/7 is a full time job constantly pushing the yacht to the limit. Professional sailors train constantly so they get used to working at peak performance with little sleep. Getting paid to do what you love has lots of appeal. Don’t forget the average age of the pro sailor is decades younger than most.
Clipper Race Crew- ah to be young.
Many experience varying difficulty getting quality sleep at sea. You would think the gentle lulling motion would put you right to sleep and even more so when you’re exhausted but it doesn’t always work that way. Nothing is more frustrating than to spend off watch tossing and turning trying to get to sleep while the boat is heeling, pitching and rolling, leaving you more tired and frustrated. Watching crew mates fall quickly to sleep makes you wonder why you’re there. Sleep is elusive and peak performance nearly impossible. Eventually, most find the groove and the ability to knock off quickly when off watch. The impact of quality rest can be life changing.
Aboard DTL, our group of older Corinthians is led by fine and highly capable Pro Skipper Nigel Parry and AQP Al Jay. For all, the work is never done. Prioritising is key- some things can wait, others cannot. After a six hour watch at 0200, like it or not things may require immediate attention and the off-going watch may sacrifice precious sleep to square away a recently doused spinnaker to be ready when conditions change. Solo sailors have no choice or back up. On a team, the next watch may be able to square things away or they may have their hands full. Keeping morale high in challenging conditions is essential. By taking care of each other for the sake of health, spirit, boat and race we leave the welcoming door open for others to return the favour when the need arises. Keeping tempers in check and remaining cheery can be very difficult. All this “normal” functioning human behaviour (normal, haha) is so difficult when you’re constantly knackered (exhausted for us Yanks). I’m proud to say aboard DTL, we bring our best day and night, notwithstanding lack of sleep or prevailing conditions - currently roasting hot above and below decks. A true testimony to the fine and motley crew that I have the true privilege of sailing the oceans. Rest well, sail fast!