Race 11 - Day 25
Crew Diary - Race 11, Day 25
24 May

James Anderson
James Anderson
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There's a slightly strange mood on the boat at the minute.

On the sailing side, we've just passed Mandatory Finish Gate 3 which we knew in advance was the finish line. Having caught up to Seattle and stretched a 21nm lead, this went up and down and at 12 hours and 6 hours before the end we were 1 mile ahead, with a little over 20nm to go. Lightning storms around us and increased winds got us moving, but in the last 6 hours, Seattle seized a nine mile advantage and pipped us to the line by a couple of hours.

We are proud of gaining ground to have a match race for the line, but obviously would have preferred to cross ahead. Well done to them and I'm sure it will be a topic of conversation when we reach a bar in Panama in a few days. Even motor sailing, we have the thick end of 1000nm to go. We are meeting them at Finish Gate 4 to travel in company.

At least the rapid sail changes from Windseeker to Yankee, occasionally Staysail and back, not forgetting the main drops and hoists as we negotiated the wind holes, will be a thing of fond reflection. We will still sail hard when the wind allows though.

Plenty of time for deep clean and maintenance on the boat, sails and lines. Many of the crew want to learn to whip and to splice. Fortunately, we have accumulated lots of little jobs and many hands to help will be a great boon.

A few conversations on board have started to touch on the amount of sailing we have ahead of us to the end of the race, and even onto what we do after. Seems odd after so many miles to start thinking of the rest of the race in decreasing numbers of weeks and days; of opportunities to wiggle the helm, dance on the foredeck, wrestle lines in the pit. Bermuda will be a bit of a sea-change as Leg 8 starts; although many of us are looking at New York as more of a beginning of the end. Even the Atlantic crossing is looking a little short compared to this and Leg 6.

Much to see, enjoy and experience yet though. On board we have had a series of quizzes and competitions with prizes of cocktails in Panama City, so there may yet be a Margarita waiting for me.

Cheers!