A note from the AQP
Panem et circem (or something like this, my Latin classes are starting to age now...) means bread and games (circus). Back in the ancient Latin world, bread and circus was the way to bring the city together, giving everyone a common cause and goal to aim toward (and also keep their attention away from the corrupt politicians, but the last doesn't serve my point so much).
Race 6 was quite uneventful... now hold my water bottle with electrolyte.
Last night, I was resting in my bunk when I woke up to a broach at around 3am. Followed by a second thought of... We are flying our Code 3 in a building breeze and I know what's coming soon. Here comes the third broach, intense heeling, lots of flogging and suddenly, silence, the boat flattens out. Before the call for all hands on deck is made, I'm already tossing on my lifejacket.
I arrived on deck to see a large part of the kite trolling on our starboard side and a much smaller part flapping happily in the wind at the top of the mast.
Both watches started piling on deck, quickly everyone got on the starboard side and started pulling the sail back onboard. In less than 5 minutes, the kite is back on board and I go up the mast to retrieve the head.
The sun started to rise, as we packed the Yankee and did a quick debrief of last night’s fun.
The faces are tired, a bit worried about the state of our decapitated Code 3, but they glow of a new light, the feeling of achievement and teamwork.
Getting the boat moving in light air is lots of work, but it doesn't quite give you that adrenaline rush that pulling a sail the size of a tennis court from the water while the boat moves at 12kts can give.
The infinite snack stock of Jacqui and Harpo is our bread and this sailing game is our circus, bonding the crew together and keeping us moving forward.
Hope all are well back home
Song of the day - Always on my mind- pet shop boys (Sorry Elvis fans)
Josh, Hugo and the crew of Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam
P.s I propose to replace the term of "In lead of the race" by "Windhole finder"
Clear your diary our Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam pub quiz will be on the 20th of Feb. Location and time to be confirmed. All funds going to Unicef. Details to follow.