Race 3 - Day 6
Crew Diary - Race 3 Day 6: Cape Town to Fremantle
06 November
The winds picked up quickly after Race Start and we were soon in a big storm which lasted for 3 days. The biggest winds I have experienced in this race, at times very scary, and when you have to reef or head sail change in these conditions then to say the least it is testing. At one stage during a fore sail change, we were all getting washed down the deck and when putting a sail down the sail locker GT got caught by his safety tether and then head first came tumbling down with the sail. Not hurt, he just laughed and we had high fives all round.
Although tough, the camaraderie on our boat is fantastic. On this leg we have lost 6 great people in Saj (thanks for the sweets), Anders (funniest CEO on the planet), Angus (sheep shearer extraordinaire), Sarah (lovely noisy Scottish lass), Michael (best impersonator) and Duncan (grumpiest man, best cook on earth, and friend for life) but gained Michael, Klas, Harmon, Sammy, David Lowe (welcome back) and Emmanuel, all great people too.
In fact the constant banter is what keeps you going and if you have any weakness, you are constantly berated for it.
At breakfast today, Mick has come under the hammer by us all for his exploits in port. One of the real characters on this race he can dish it out but can also take it and is one of the most likeable people to have on your boat. The likes of Mick and Nell who has been on my watch on all legs is what gets you through this.
Yesterday I was Mother along with Klas and had to cook a roast – yup a roast - with roast vegetables and some trimmings and a cake on a tiny oven which has no temperature control for 21 people. I was very grumpy (no surprise there) and fed up by the end but the meal went down a storm. I then had lots of sleep which is the biggest bonus of being a Mother.
Have some more rest today before another storm which is predicted.
I love the Clipper Race haha but can't wait for Oz!
PS. Happy birthday to my Mum on the 8th.
PPS. All our thoughts are with Greenings and the trauma they must have suffered and also to Greg on HotelPlanner.com who hurt his arm. This sport is definitely extreme!