Race 3 - Day 18
Crew Diary - Race 3 Day 18: Cape Town to Fremantle
18 November

Ocean Racing! We came to the Southern Ocean to experience and enjoy this extreme sport. Even the name sounds extreme. Who would have thought that I - or any of us of us for that matter – would be actually racing 70 fot yachts across the oceans of the world.

We had been told and read about how the Southern Ocean would be one the toughest in the world and that we would experience the roaring forties Westerly winds. Instead, as you have read we have had days of beating into a N.E wind followed by the most gentle of S.W winds of around 10-15 kn but finally have some reasonable downwind sailing with winds of around 25-30kn. Not really what we were looking forward to but still an experience in itself anyway. This change from 'hard' to 'soft' also lifted everyone's spirits. Smiles, jokes and a great warmth exudes from all as we enjoy the closeness of a team battling through tough times and coming out the other side.

We are still Ocean Racing but not in the way the name suggests. Tactics and careful helming are now critical. Instead of who has the most endurance and nerve to hold onto sails at the extreme ends of their suggested wind limits, we are now teasing what we can from our CV25. She is responding beautifully. Always alert, she often reminds me of a thoroughbred horse. When the sails are set up correctly you can literally feel her thrum and buzz with anticipation. Pulling at the tethers that are the sheets (ropes) controlling the sails she is skittish and nervous and anxious to be away.

Set her up poorly and she reacts sulkily – unhappy with not being looked after properly. We of course pander to her, cajoling and tending to her needs to make sure we get the best from her. We will continue to do happily do this while she delivers us safely to a podium finish! Loving the blue skies that we are seeing at the moment but know that once again the weather will change as it always does we are making the most of the winds that are given to us.

Finally – on a personal note Happy Birthday to my daughter Rosie Farmiloe. Hope you have a fantastic day and looking forward to seeing you. x