Race 10 - Day 25
Crew Diary - Race 10 Day 25: Seattle to Panama
25 May
A Man A Plan A Canal Panama
Our race finished at longitude 96'W, latitude 16'N more than a week ago.
Since then, we've been tasked with escorting our fellow crew mates on the yacht Liverpool 2018 back into Panama, which has sent us in search of the trade winds (to minimise usage of limited fuel on board). So far, this has taken us across to longitude 86'W, down to latitude 6'N and almost as far as the Galapagos!
So, like the world's longest palindrome about the man, his plan and the canal, it feels like we've been backwards and forwards but nothing has changed. For days, each time we dared look, we still had more than 1000 nautical miles to go.
We've had day after day of breathtaking moonrises, sunrises, silky flat seas, sunshine, dolphin shows, stunning sunsets, trails of phosphorescence and mystical starry nights. We enjoy this in bursts of 4-6 hours on, followed by 4-6 hours off. Our mandated 6 hours rest after 4 hours work, bookended by 2 meals, is definitely a favourite – and something to be taken away for attempted adoption at home.
After 26 days at sea (so far), Panama and its canal seem like a world away – and we're dreaming of long showers, clean sheets, fresh food and of course the drinks!
The words 'Are we there yet?' echo around the boat at each watch change, followed by detailed calculations as to what day we'll arrive based on current speed, potential wind holes, possible fuel usage, how many snacks we eat and distractions while sea birds invade our boat.
Last night, we had a welcome change when we sailed into the blackest of black rain clouds. At 3am our yacht was engulfed in eerie darkness and we were then drenched in pouring rain. Not quite the shower we've been wishing for!
Like all things on board, we take our situation in our stride and today embraced the daytime rainstorm shampooing opportunity. We're aiming for quick, seamless re-entry into civilisation after a month on the high seas. I can hear the other watch getting a thorough rainy wash down on deck right now. They definitely need it.
ETA 4 more days – based on the latest heavily debated calculations. Hopefully we're still smelling as fresh then! Love to all at home. Talk to you soon! xxx