Race 10 - Day 23
Crew Diary - Race 10 Day 23
19 April

Seattle IS getting closer!

We’ve led this race since Day 1, which is rare to achieve, but also brings some stress with it!

Having already won Race 4 (Leg 3), we are really keen to add this leg.

In the Clipper Race, Legs 3 and 6 are ‘the big ones’ that have just a little bit more ‘kudos’ than some other races/legs, so bagging that double of wins is a huge incentive! Also, of course we have played our Joker, despite having 14 soles on board (Skipper, AQP and three watches of four people each).

Right now, we are about 750 miles from the finish with a lead of about 10 miles. That might sound a lot, but we know only too well how quickly a lead can evaporate if you drop into a light wind patch! So all a bit anxious right now.

Also, being low on crew numbers, I think it is fair to say we are close to exhaustion! There is simply no time off between sailing, sleeping, eating, packing kites and doing all the cleaning and emptying chores around the boat. That said, everyone is digging in and the end is in sight!

Personally, I fell in the cockpit on the night of 9th April. Very winded and sore. Heavy bruising down my left side. I don’t think I actually broke any ribs (goodness knows how), but they sure are sore! And I can assure you that a pitching boat in heavy seas is not a great place to nurse back to recovery with damaged ribs! Right now, moving about on deck is “OK”, but sleeping is still tricky. Anyway, the beer in Seattle will taste all the better!

Lisa flies out today. I’ve really missed her.

Love to all. xx