Race 2 - Day 27
Crew Diary - Race 2, Day 27
12 October

Day 27

I am currently sitting in the saloon and its 2300. I am feeling totally exhausted, but have to be back on deck in one hour. I cannot believe the last 36 hours and what the weather has thrown at us. Multiple spinnaker changes, which means packing them away, a 30 minute job at best. Squalls which have us sideways in the water, lightning in the sky all around us that has gone on for two hours and driving rain and hail, disrupted sleeping routine due to the extra workload not to mention winds topping 65 knots per hour! This has been life on board for us, but we are so tantalisingly close to the finish line and everyone is secretly hoping that we get in in the next 24 hours.

Once we get in then we’re faced with big decisions – beer then shower or shower then beer? I do think the beer will be a stronger pull for us! Then a long-awaited shower.

This has been a mammoth leg for us, especially the novice sailors on board. The weeks out training had been the longest most of us had spent on a boat until this race. What will I feel at the end of this race … well, Caroline and I have had this conversation just yesterday. And yes Greg and Fergus agreed that we might shed a tear or two once we cross that finish line. Pride and a huge sense of achievement will be at the top of my list that’s for sure.

I am not yet thinking about Leg 2 and what that might have in store for us. I need to get through tonight first, as I can hear from the deck that we have more squalls ahead. So it’s looking like an early watch start, better get my wet weather gear on and head up to make sure we will get through this one ok, and watch the continuing light show while I’m up there.