Race 14 - Day 3
Crew Diary - Race 14 Day 3
01 July

Hello again,

So it's goodbye to the Big Apple and New Joisey. A great stop over for our crew, with loads to see and do on both sides. A few drinks for those leaving, and those joining and for some, like me, seeing family, or friends. My mascot Stitch has yet another pin for his ears and is running out of space.

The fleet assembled for the Parade of Sail, then we had great views of both Manhattan and Jersey City on the way out as well as the iconic Statue of Liberty.

We managed a few more small fixes on the boat as we motored out to the Le Mans start. A couple of mainsail things including a new reefing cringle as we are crossing our fingers for big winds and seas and some excitement. But not too much as we look forward to the maritime festival and festivities in Derry~Londonderry.

The start was great and we had a fabulous view of the whole fleet with spinnakers up in a line, hopefully my picture gives a hint as to what it looked like.

As I type we are 12 hours or so into the race and already the fleet has dispersed, with lots of different tactics becoming evident. Hopefully ours will pay off soon and you'll see us moving forward in the fleet.

Our Code 2 is flying again and with the lightweight sheets going well. We are getting used to all the different patterns and colours of the lines with recycled plastics ready for the night watches. There is a lot less plastic in these waters than the approach to Bermuda too. We will see what the Gulf Stream brings us soon.

More soon, and hopefully fair winds & following seas.

Slainte, James.