I was laying in my bunk resting tonight, which is something I have been conscious to add to my daily routine the last few days. It sounds silly but it’s the same as not getting to drink enough water, which also has been an issue. There has been another issue that combines the two. My skippers bunk after day one has been very wet indeed, along with my sleeping bag; this is not desirable and actually increased my average waking hours from 22 hours a day to 23.5 hours a day. I would find myself waking up just as my knees gave way whilst standing at the stern watching my helms people... this was the time to take action. I commandeered another bunk, its actually more of a hole with a mattress, but its dry and wonderful, even though I only have just enough room below the deck to turn over.
Being so close to the deck I can hear every noise. Tonight’s watch group I could hear were having a whale of a time whilst doing boaty stuff, as they were playing a game and laughing away in the cold and sea water sprayed cockpit. This whole trip the crew and myself have had laughs and giggles and generally having a good time. There was one morning of shell shocked expressions, but that was after days of pushing hard and sailing through even stronger winds and avoiding the only landmark in the race, it did not last long before happiness ruled again.
I can also hear each winch trim, backed sail, helm movement, spray on the deck, waves battering the boat, the water running along the hull and over the rudders. If I listen to the port rudder, I can hear the water still passing over the last bit of trapped weed. I can hear the generator, water maker, kettle whistle, conversations, and even the squeak of rubber boats slipping on deck. However, there is one noticeable thing I haven't heard and that is a call for breakfast with eggs.
Andy
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