Race 7 - Day 10
Crew Diary - Race 7 Day 10
09 February

Life as a sailor is to live as a problem solver. So many aspects of sailing and living on a Clipper Race yacht require the crew to identify and fix a variety of problems as they arise.

How can we get the boat to go faster? - Ease the Yankee sheet; grind the main sheet, a bit more vang? Sail trim is problem solving, and a test & learn approach allows us to measure iterative changes in performance.

Helming – interpreting multiple information sources in a variety of conditions to learn & improve, and avoid broaching!

Physical challenges – how can we haul down this sail during a spicy squall? What is the best way to get into the top bunk on the high side?

Interpersonal problem solving – communication is key, but differences can occur between people. How we choose to address these differences in the way each of us react and move forward is key to building and maintaining positive relationships.

Sail repair – How best to fix a spinnaker sail as large as a tennis court, on a bouncy, confined, and decidedly not sail-shaped boat? Can we maintain sail shape & integrity whilst fixing rips of multiple angles and sizes?

Cooking – Space is limited, ingredients are limited, and crew hunger is seemingly unlimited! Creativity is required to deliver delicious, nutritious, and varied meals to a crew that marches on its belly!

Hygiene – Which head is best to use on this track? Have I brushed my teeth enough amongst the body clock dysfunction of a two watch system? Can I clean the sun cream and grime off with a quick bucket of salt water at the stern?

Problem solving is at the heart of racing on a Clipper Race yacht – it’s type 2 fun after all!