Race 6 - Day 9
Crew Diary - Flexibility
31 January

I am writing this while it is still January 29th in the Netherlands. First time that I won’t be able to say happy birthday to my daughter Nienke. I told her already I would not, because my connectivity is cut off here at sea, but maybe this is a sneaky way to get her that message anyway. Happy Birthday!!!! I also hope my son Sam arrived home safe after waving me off in Airlie Beach.

Sailing is a hobby in which you need to be flexible, not only physical but also mental. If you see what is happening on this trip, you understand what I mean.

• - The 48 hours delay at the start because of delayed delivery of (watermaker) boat parts
• - The second delay caused by lack of wind
• - The different crewmembers
• - The skipper and his sail changes
• - Trimming and tactics, getting far behind (also caused by inaccurate weather reports) and stay motivated to catch up
• - The uncertainty about the finish location caused by a virus in China
• - Where is the finish and are there hotel rooms available (we cannot cancel or book on the boat)
• - Will my flight still be on schedule from Hong Kong to Amsterdam (British Airways cancelled all flights is what we heard)
• - Cooking with limited ingredients
• - Failure of the sea water footpump in the galley (and make it work to put two old ones together)
• - Etc….

My sailing hobby is considered to be more relaxing. I really hope I am right since I will be sailing as of April 1st 2020 after my boat delivery. That is if we arrive in time and there is a flight back home… Flexibility is still needed, but I hope in a more relaxing atmosphere. But then again, this is racing, even though the conditions don’t give that impression (yet).

Of course you also need to be flexible to get in your top bunk at all conditions and the incredibly hot conditions make you slow and stiff. But I still manage:-)

The Bermuda Crew is very flexible. Each of us easily adjust to the situation and the best crew is a happy crew. Only some more wind will make us happier. I am proud to be part of this crew.

Greetings to my loved ones and hope to see you all soon in good health.