Hi guys, good to be communicating again. As a starter, thanks to everyone who commented in person or other via means regarding my previous entry: ‘The Wrong Cruise.’ Caroline, as I have now named her, may return in the future but following that rather unfortunate experience on her Pacific cruise she is undergoing a short but luxurious course of therapy sessions and a crash course in ‘holiday booking online’ [the pros and cons].
So back to Leg 7 Seattle to Bermuda via the hopefully amazing Panama Canal experience. After the ‘Mighty Pacific’ it would have been easy to expect the sailing on this leg to be somewhat sedate, but in fact from day one we have had many days of what can only be described as ‘glorious’ days of racing, Ones I’m sure Caroline would have enjoyed! Wildlife including whales, dolphins and seals all came to wish us good luck as we crossed the start line off Seattle.
Obviously given the route there have been some slower days but these have kept us challenged and we have definitely made full use of our downwind wardrobe. The many hours of repacking kite after kite in the scorching heat below deck especially at night working under red light really can start to feel like being trapped in hell. But as we know practice makes perfect and we are getting slicker and slicker.
On board one of my favourite times is sunrise. I find it's such a privilege to watch the new day wake. On many occasions on this trip we have been lucky enough to have small squid literally throw themselves on the deck at dawn which we then go round collecting like fresh eggs on a farm. Delicious starters for our lunchtimes!
Other boatlife news: we have had 73 and 74 year old birthdays so I set myself a challenge of making cards. Thankfully I have a Blue Peter badge (sadly not a gold one) and was always an avid watcher of Tony Hart and Art Attack, as all I had available to me were 4 pens blue, red, green and black and some yellow electrical tape!
Now I am not and never have claimed to be an artist and I obviously am fully aware that my marine engineering and design skills are lacking, but I was quite pleased with the outcome!!.jpg)
Luckily however I can bake and home made lemon drizzle cake was enjoyed by all.
Happy Birthday to JD and Thom.
(Cards ‘Made in the Pacific’ by SuliSuli Arts are available to order as long as limited colour range, design accuracy and long lead times are not an obstacle!
News just in: after sailing south for almost 3300 miles with no sign of any other yachts, we have just crossed the Second Finish Gate for leg 7 within 800m of GoToBermuda. How does that happen!? Now the race goes on to Finish Gate 3. Bring it on!
More news just in ,our friend Caroline has just placed two card orders, one for Commodore Keith to feature Martinis and one for Skipper Ian with a very specific request for bananas to feature in abundance in the picture! Looks like the yellow electrical tape will be in use again!
Quick note to my family and friends, loads of love and big hugs to you all especially my awesome boys Max and Oscar and of course Dave the dog.