Race 3 - Day 8
Crew Diary - Race 3 Day 8: Cape Town to Fremantle
08 November

Michael Duffy
Michael Duffy
Team PSP Logistics
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Gentlemen do not sail to windward - they leave that to Clipper Race crew!! It has been another few days of relentless upwind slog for PSP Logistics, in a cold, grey and very wet part of the Southern Ocean. The Roaring Forties are certainly roaring for us, but a downwind roar would be preferred. We're presently bashing southwards again, close hauled on port tack into a strong easterly breeze and a rolling cross-swell, looking for those elusive southerly winds that will get us surfing across to Freo'.

On deck it's an endurance challenge in wet freezing spray, where dry suits rule, and rotations of deck crew down below to gather warmth and help survive the gruelling four hour on-watch duty. Down below it's a war zone, with centre of combat in the galley, where helmets and bullet-proof vests are the uniform of choice. A travelling fan club of sea birds have been circling the boat continuously for the past few days, and a sperm whale floated close by at daybreak yesterday, which caused a mild drama and evasive action on the helm.

All well on board. The team stands strong, motivated by the desire to find those southerly winds, and fight off the chasing pack following closely in our wake.

Our thoughts always with family and loved ones back home. The harder we work, the faster we sail, the sooner we get to see you all again!!