Race 7 - Day 9
Crew Diary - The wheel is spinning, but the hamster is dead
03 March

This is often a phrase that is used by our family and is the most appropriate phrase for when we get woken up by the previous watch. Sometimes, I could be up on deck for an hour before I realise that I am actually up on deck.

The first hour is typically an automation. I will explain the process…

Depending on the person, we are woken with a startling shout of "wake up!" Song or a gentle prod. Anne Tremeau is typically the best with her French songs and so begins the groggy start to the day. Ear plugs and mask are removed and a "where the hell am I?" Dialogue starts and the red ghetto lights pierce the eyes. It’s time to wriggle out of the cocoon and put some shorts on. At that point in time, I typically sit up and forget the bulk head is right there, ouch!

Towards the head are the lines that hold the lee cloth and bunk at the right level. "Right, how did I tie this up again?". Once the lines are worked out, it's time to rock climb down the walls to the floor.

Shirt, shoes or whatever base layers are required. Time to visit the heads (toilet). Depending on the angle of heel, this is an interesting experience. If a meal is served, one is gently reminded whether it is breakfast, lunch or dinner time. Then, if time a brief brush of the teeth or other hygienic thing.

The final piece of the puzzle is to work out which combination of foul weather gear is the most appropriate for the watch. Is it windy? How much water is coming across the decks? How much rain is around? How cold is it? Salopettes and light jacket? Salopettes? Jacket? or Full foulies?

Now time to clamber up the ladder. Handover awaits... God help us if we have to do something complicated in the first half hour. It’s like passing instructions to an empty control room.

The wheel is spinning, but the hamster is dead. At least until coffee, daylight, banter or a combination of the above wrestle back into the control room. Normal service has resumed - for the next couple of hours.

Hello to friends and family. Back to Subic Bay we go. Air-conditioning and sleep beckon.