T'was a dark and stormy night...
In short, we went from full Mainsail and a Code 3 to bare poles and boom lashed down on deck in the space of two hours.
During the previous day, reef 3 had parted whilst grinding on reef 2. I cannot say for certain how, but my feeling is reef 3 got caught in the reef 2 sheave at the aft end of the boom. So, it was that we went from reef 2 to the boom lashed down.
The whole team worked incredibly well under the conditions. They followed instructions as the main halyard was eased, the topping lift supporting the boom, as the mainsheet ground on and the foreguys eased, working the boom end over the guard rail, into the cockpit and down safely on to the mainsheet traveller. It was wrapped in a mooring line for protection and lashed in place for the duration. We pulled down most of what remained of the Mainsail and tied it to the boom.
We bore away and ran deep before the wind gusting 70+ knots at a steady 11 knots speed over ground. It was a long and difficult night but we withstood it without mishap, everyone safe and well.
Dare To Lead was very easy on the helm considering the conditions. I was grateful for all the time Hugues has spent encouraging as many team members to learn to helm during Race 1 and 2.
It was noted that Halloween was all trick and no treat and I was beginning to wish we'd turned the lights off, drawn the curtains and pretended we were not in?!
We spent much of the following day riding out the waves. Once a boom is lashed down on deck it is no easy job to raise it again. With the wind considerably eased, the leftover sea was still heavy and breaking for many hours. Finally, before sunset, we were safe to raise the boom and continue sailing under two reefs and a Staysail. With only two Mainsail battens broken, a small tear in the Mainsail luff and a few bruises here and there we have done remarkably well. At times such as these, racing is a long forgotten thought, safety is everything. That said, with 2000 miles to Cape Town we certainly have some catching up to do.
With the boom down we had the perfect opportunity to splice reef 3 back together, re-run it through the boom and replace the broken battens. We now sail close hauled with a single reef and a very fickle wind, one minute we are labouring and in need of more canvas, the very next breath we are glad to have shortened sail.
It will be a relief to arrive in Cape Town. The energy drain from such an intense experience is evident in everyone, some much needed rest and relaxation will be welcomed before we consider Leg 3.
Guy et Hugues and The Crew