Race 2 - Day 10
Crew Diary - Race 2 Day 10: Punta del Este to Cape Town
14 October

Rollercoaster ride at its best!

After a day of mothering in an Afrikaans kitchen (myself and Philip, a fellow Saffer, had the honours of buddying up to feed the crew) I cuddled up to my warm sleeping bag to enjoy my long sleep. Bunk adjusted at the angle of our tack, lee cloth tightened to ensure I don't fall out, sleeping bag zipped up all the way to keep the warmth in. All left to do now is to sleep fast...right?

Wrong.

Wind speeds picked up to about 40 knots and we were sailing at an average of 13.7 knots, covering 329 miles in 24 hours. The combination meant that it literally felt like a rollercoaster ride below deck. It's amazing how quickly you learn to sleep clinging on to the bunk above you and wedging your feet into corners for extra security.

On the Island of Polly, our helmsmen did a sterling job in keeping the yacht on course. Even with full gear on, it is impossible to miss the pure enjoyment of surfing the waves of the Southern Ocean on their faces. Especially Cowboy (aka Don Peterson) who I honestly believe has a secret goal to get all splashed every time he is on the helm.

Several life jackets popped due to waves washing over crew, and Jemma (spelled with a J) did an amazing job in dealing with several minor injuries that occurred over night. Rest assured, everybody is in good form and team spirit is high as we continue our race to Cape Town. With each crew change over, people talk about how cold and wet they are, but it's combined with giggles and laughter because...

...we all know we willingly signed up for this ride and are loving the thrill of it!!!