Race 4 - Day 13
Crew Diary - Race 4 Day 13: Fremantle to Sydney
15 December
So, the end is in sight. After a few frustrating days of little wind (sorry all Unicef supporters), the kite is up and we are now hooning it towards Sydo (Aussie accent required). Happy days.
Today we celebrated Keith the Kiwi's birthday; the first of many within Team Unicef in the coming few days. Jeni produced a silver fern inspired cake and we all sang him a little song and continued with our usual taking the 'puss' out of his accent with the usual 'all hands on deck' banter...
As you will have gathered, life on board is a simple one – focussed on keeping everyone fed and watered and our big blue boat going as fast as possible. Ironically, this simple life involves the simplest tasks becoming an extremely complicated and potentially frustrating process. For example, the simple fact that Bidders is currently at the helm is making the act of sitting upright quite a challenge right now. In addition to this, a few of the crew (me included) have been taken down by the dreaded snot lurgy – the struggle is real people! In situations like these in life, the littlest things can either cheer you right up or send you over the edge. Here are a few examples over the last 24 hours.
Things that send me over the edge:
- Using the heads when heeled over and peeing on your arse cheek [Editor - too much information!].
- Garmin appearing within AIS range. Again.
- Losing my beanie. Again. (sorry mum, I just can't be tidy – not even on a boat!) Deciding on what to wear on deck. As my closest will know, I hate decisions at the best of times – would you rather not be sweaty, be able to move and risk your kit being wet for 3 days OR toasty warm and dry but dressed like the Michelin man with a high potential to overheat.
- Losing my water bottle. Again.
- The realisation that you think you may have blocked the heads.
- The antibac not being where it should be.
- The current 'on' watch asking for a strong hot chocolate.
Things that cheer me right up:
- Helen and Ed letting me go to bed early on my support watch.
- Waking up to realise you have slept 2.5 hours straight – how novel.
- Being on a starboard tack when doing the dishes so the water drains down the plughole.
- Cake....every...day. Seriously, I've had cake every day I've been on board.
- Finding my beanie.
- Our first mate, Mark. Nuff said.
- Pulling a rope really quickly and really well.
- Lifting heavy stuff.
- Hearing Ed swear. Imagine the poshest headteacher you know.
- Choosing the right life jacket off the rail on first attempt TWO watches in a row – winning at life!
- Getting into my bunk without a head injury.
- Watching Helen at the helm. Her hands are actually by her eyes.
- Finding a new unexplained bruise on my leg – becoming quite proud of these.
- Hearing Alison on the walkie talkie to the helm whilst having a number two.
- Tonight's sunset – the best I've ever seen in my life.
- Watching a pod of dolphins frolic by our boat.
- Having a shower – after 12 days I gave in. Didn't think I would but the lurgy and the greasepot/dreadlock combo was just too much. Felt sooooo good!
- Being able to breathe through one nostril.
- Helming under starlight for two hours without cocking it up!
- Finally getting rid of that airlock and flushing your number two into the sea!
- Bob talking utter rubbish when he first wakes up.
Rather a lot to be cheery about. All that, and my lovely family and friends at home and elsewhere. In a bit peeps! xx