Race 13 - Day 2
Crew Diary - Derry-Londonderry to Liverpool
23 July
Leg 8/ Race 13/ Day 2
Day 2. Really? Just day 2?! These days made up of 4 hours on and 4 off make you live around 4 days in 1 and subsequently you find yourself living a ground hog day effect of 'Good morning' to fellow crew members A LOT.
So far on this race we seem to be doing well and if we can hold on (by the skin of our teeth) we should be on track and at least be ahead of our fellow crew member who willingly defected to another boat and joined the dark side – mentioning no names Al Jay.
This past 24 hours has been made up of tacking then being sick, tacking again and... then being sick again, naturally the madness of being here is questioned by me with every sick bag. Tacking is fun though – albeit my role is limited to the running back-stays – of which I have now been upgraded to no less than BOTH of them – I'm telling you people – skipper finally believes in me, a bit. (insert ironic tone here for those of you unfamiliar with sailing)
On deck as we left Derry Skipper wanted a volunteer to go up the mast – my hand shot up – me! I'll do it! “No”, was the stern, yet normal reply of skipper. Quickly followed by a suggestion I might like to clean the hull – for those of you unaware – that would mean me taking a swim. Grrrr.
This is the best upwind sailing you can do on a clipper 70 (apparently – obviously I got that from skipper as I wouldn't actually have a clue if it was or not), so that being said Skipper is happy, the crew have finally finished vominting and are enjoying delving into many snack bags to stay sane so all is well.
Not long until Liverpool, the glory run home, for which I will have done 1 leg and fully intend on milking as much glory out of it as possible, those poor 'round the world' guys who have 'actually' worked so hard for a whole year – me, 3 weeks at sea and the glory run home it is – wooohoo. Bring it on.
Ali
Note to Mum: Didn't lose apeptite despite sea-sickness, unbelievable eh?
Note to Fer: Cycle safe, its better on land I'm sure of it. Cancel the contract for the boat.
Note to Dad: Happy belated Birthday for yesterday!!