Race 2 - Day 25
Crew Diary - Race 2, Day 25
10 October
Set The Controls To The Heart Of The Sun
Last night’s sunset was spectacular (see photo below) and at one point really, it really did look like we were heading into the heart of the sun. It reminded me of an episode of Thunderbirds when Thunderbirds 3 was on a collision course with the sun and had no way of turning back. Fortunately for us, we jibed and could watch it disappear on the horizon from a safe distance.
So today we have reached day 25 and Punta del Este is in sight (almost).
Our motto of Eat, Sleep, Sail, Repeat will soon be replaced with:
Cold Beer, Cold Beer, Cold Beer, Sleep, Repeat:
Although I think I may have overdone it on the sleep!
As I write this ‘Staying Alive’ by the Bee Gees has just started to play on the iPod. We are all alive and well on WTC Logistics however, ‘Staying Awake’ can sometimes prove difficult especially during the night shifts. Since we left Portimão I imagine you will have all of been to bed 25 times sleeping somewhere in the region of six to eight hours each night. Well, on board WTC Logistics I have been to bed 65 times and with a couple of exceptions have not slept more than three and a half hours and usually closer to three at any one time. Then there’s also the heat to contend with. Most of the time its like sleeping in a sauna, and unlike at home, there are no windows we can open. You do start to get used to it, but how long for a lie in and some fresh air!
Out here in the south Atlantic, you do feel very alone. We have only seen a couple of ships over the last week and no other Clipper Race boats. You do however, feel very privileged to be here, there are very few people in the world who will actually get to see and experience it for real.
So time to go, lunch is nearly read, no rice or pasta today and the secret supply of Haribo's that were so secret no one knew where they were, but they have been found so things are looking up.
A couple of special mentions to:
The children following my progress at Rokeby school – special update from Charlie Bunny coming soon.
All those following me at 1st Claygate Scout Group – make sure you keep the map up to date.
To those at Richmond Legbreakers Cricket Club – I’m sure you have missed my batting this year.
Hola – Hi all and Darren I can’t wait for one of your pies and chips!
And lastly, to my family, thinking of you and Erin I hope you're still enjoying the course and haven’t fallen off yet.
Until next time
Mark
ps: If your wondering what happened to Thunderbird 3, it was saved by firing a signal from the earth that automatically altered the controls and turned it around and away from the sun.