Race 4 - Day 8
Crew Diary - Race 4 Day 8: Fremantle to Sydney
10 December
As we are speeding along towards the Tasmania devil before our final sprint to Sydney, I can't believe how quickly Leg 4 Race 4 is going. Our stopover in Freo was hectic with lots of sail repair work to be done and also trying to squeeze in some fun R&R. Everyone is looking forward to some festive fun in Sydney. I am really enjoying this race after the Leg 3 – as one of the crew states, “Leg 3 was not as advertised”. The dynamics on board Dare To Lead alter each leg with changes in crew and shuffling of watches. The changes in crew always present me the opportunity to try different roles on deck and considering I started the race with very limited sailing experience this is all part of the Clipper adventure. I have spent much of my time on deck in the pit working the various sheets and halyards managing the requests both from the helm and foredeck. This leg, I have even dared to move forward of the shrouds to play on the foredeck with Luke and Christian. This normally involves getting very wet but having lots of fun at the same time. It is exhilarating to be standing at the bow of the boat as it crashes through the waves of the roaring 40s.
After over 4 months on Dare To Lead, I am now better skilled at knowing where to stand in the sail locker to try and avoid the obligatory waves which crash in when you are trying to extricate the sail out of the hatch. Paddy was waved twice this morning much to Charlie and my amusement. It is fair game to laugh when someone gets soaked as you know your turn will be quick to follow. Today we swiftly got the Yankee 2 on deck. This is a much easier process than trying to squeeze out the spinnakers, which vary greatly depending on how they have been packed. The Yankee sail change this morning did take a bit longer than expected as a couple of the hanks had been damaged but end goal was achieved and new sail hoisted. The Yankee 1 was then carried back to the pit to be flaked. As we sat down for a brief respite before facing the next task, it was then I received my pay back. After removing my hood and hat to cool down, I was drenched by a wave and could hear Matt on the helm in peels of laughter. Well, at least my hair got a bit of a wash!
I still marvel at the fact we have sailed well over 15000 miles since leaving Liverpool. I can't believe I am now on my last full leg of my time in Clipper land. It will be strange to leave my home on CV25 at the end of January so I continue to strive to make the most of every watch and capture the best of this unique opportunity. I definitely don't want the adventure and fun to end. With the Sydney Hobart race being our next challenge, I am sure that will definitely not fail to deliver. I can't wait.
Brought to you by Lou