Race 4 - Day 5
Crew Diary - Race 4, Day 5
22 November

James Anderson
James Anderson
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Porridge and toast after having just finished after a challenging day.

As the fleets official Penguin Hunters as the most Southerly boat, we are heading into colder waters. The influence of the Indian Ocean is gone – we have the cold water and strengthening winds of the Southern Ocean beginning to carry us. The house sized waves are yet to arrive as we all build our experience.

The change in the temperature has been quick and we have all been playing catch up with our multiple layers, hats and gloves to cope. Thankfully foulies and/or dry suits are keeping us (mostly) dry. On deck, we are as busy as ever trimming as well as launching our Code 2 Spinnaker. As sail repair lead on the boat it is a relief to have it in one piece and working hard.

Personally, I have had to change to shorts and t-shirt to cope with the conditions rather than thermals, mid layers and foulies. No, it is not just because I am a Geordie and used to wandering the ‘Toon in a t-shirt in the middle of Winter’. As a team we are attempting to resurrect the Code 3 Spinnaker from its complicated tear. I am spending most of my time in the sail locker which is usually a sweat-box but currently a reasonably comfortable temperature, although it is very damp as waves cross the hatch and I get rained on. Nick W and I are slowly pulling it back into shape. Not an easy task as the boat bounces and tips and certainly not a good place for those with sea sickness. Limited lengths you can get at make getting the right tension difficult and has meant re-visiting some bits to put right. At least the tack side radial panel is now all lined up. Clew side next. Mary Shelley would be proud of us.

As I finish this blog, one of the crew is discussing the helming of the last half hour, where only one wave came over the deck and into the companionway. At the time the other one climbed up to sort out crew drinks. Nick H seems to be destined to be soaked at every opportunity.

Thanks for reading, see my other blogs, pics and vids for Marlow on the Marlow website.

James Anderson, RTW CV20