After a few ocean crossings where we see nothing for days – no other boats, no land, no wildlife – it makes such a pleasant change sailing down the dramatic and beautiful Irish coast. This morning we were serenaded by dolphins at sunrise and we are in close company with the entire fleet.
The boat is sailing well so we think the rudder issues that plagued us on Legs 6 and 7 are over and as a team we have always rather enjoyed upwind sailing so we are trying our best to stay near the front.
However, it is so tight I think the positions will be contently changing right up until the finish line.
We have also been Nasducked - we found the stowaways in our bilges. Now the question we ask, is this a bit of fun or does it have a more sinister purpose? Are they spies? Were they trying to block our bilges and sink us?! Or maybe they just heard about the lobster, steaks, and caviar we have every day and wanted to taste our excellent cuisine!!!!
Talking about food, I can smell the English muffins toasting for my eggs Atlantic this morning. I do hope they don’t stuff up the hollandaise sauce again, it ruins a great piece of salmon! Must dash or it will be in the dog!
Ta,
Lance