Race 11 - Day 10
Skipper Report
13 June
Hello team,
So, what are you up to this “Coming into the final straight” Wednesday. Much productivity happening in the work place? Well, the light winds are dragging it out this end. It must be like watching paint dry for you, although the interesting bit is, no one knows what the end picture looks like. Earlier we were thundering along at 14-15 knots, now we are just making 7 knots. Those of you with Race Viewer addiction, the helpline telephone number is - 7223 843937 (you can crack that code in between updates.)
This end the team are tired, they have put a great performance in whatever the outcome later. They have given the extra one percent and just not stopped trying. They have all truly achieved something remarkable.
Their tiredness caused an interesting moment while hoisting the Yankee 2 the night before last. In the dark somehow the Yankee lazy sheet got loaded onto the primary winch along with the Yankee halyard which I have never seen before, and once spotted, made for another problem solving opportunity with the Yankee halfway hoisted. But all resolved, without damage, and more importantly, no injury.
The one thing both Watch Leaders have displayed brilliant over the last 24 hours is the enforcement of our first principle - Safety First - so a big shout out to Pip (Union Watch) and Jon “Milnsey” (Jack Watch) who have also had their Sgt Wilson moments and said, “Do you think that's entirely wise Skip” on a few occasions at some of my suggestions.
Now, Trevor and Jeremy you'll be delighted to know that Alex blew it right on the last day. Having had the ladies swooning all around him for the last two weeks, getting him drinks, giving him cake - enough said on that matter - and generally running around seeking favour, he blew it. Beanie asked a simple question and instead of using correct court room skills and answer just the question, he added more and dealt himself the killer blow.
Beanie: “Do you like Marmite?”
A simple closed question, warranting no more than a “Yes” or “No” response. But no, Alex couldn't help himself.
Alex: “No and if I was Skipper I won't have it allowed it on my boat.”
You could have heard a pin drop, if we hadn't been doing 13 knots on a close reach at the time. A look of horror crossed some of the previously doting females. Backs slightly turned away, awkward looking at shoes commenced, flighty glances amongst the crew.
Beanie: “Well, I won't be coming on your boat then.”
There's one thing we can say about Alex, he isn't a Marmite person (love them or hate them), but we all love him and will miss him on the next race. Thanks for all your help – cheers mate.
So, potentially this is my last blog on this race, clearly weather depended. A big thank you for all your support on this race and, in fact, this Leg. Don't under estimate the impact messages of encouragement make when things aren't going to plan. A great big thank you to you all.
Some GREAT Britain stats from this race for you; Top recorded speed 21 knots (Alex), distanced logged to date 1,922nm, best 24 hour run 256nm, and the best distance made good over 24 hours was 245nm out of 246nm.
Oh, did you know? Karate actually originated in India, but developed further in China
Standing by this Channel-out
Dave