Hi Folks,
I'm sooooooooo bored. I'm bored of this upwind single tack nonsense. I'm bored of having nothing better to entertain you with. But it continues. There is a glimmer of hope as the wind is slowly veering (shifting in a clockwise manner) and this is helping us point straight for Fremantle.
I can re-assure all the frantic Fionas, worried Willies, and terrified Toms that our minor flooding was simply through bilge neglect. We are back on track and high and dry (this is obviously a relative term). There was great team effort to get it sorted, but a stand out mention to Marcel "the dainty Dutchman" Van Velsen for his hard work. He dived (literally) right in there at one point to plug a gap to limit flow and make the bailing easier. Dutch boy with his finger in the dyke. Classic.
I've said it before, but I love to see this team come together. This happens in many different ways. There is the obvious grand scheme of things, like everyone pulling together on shift to empty the bilges regardless of whether it is their duty day or not. And then there are mini teams that form, such as in the galley. A fine example set by Tim "Timbo" Hayward and John "JV" Vearncombe (we're good at nicknames!). They flew through galley duty with such smooth clockwork and such little stress - I mean zero Mother rage peeps - that they were up and at it again the next day... I think they simply forgot. I might have to get the non-medic medic to keep an eye on them.
So, with all this boredom one of the crew (not a real poet!) has had time to craft another lyrical limerick for you all. Dedicated to one of his fav Clipper Race Skippers.
There once was a Skipper called Nikki,
her tactics all cunning and tricky,
with her big beautiful smile,
always sailing with style,
I just hope she’s none too picky!
**a bow for the audience**
Think Pink.
Ta,
Lance
P.S. Before you are all too bored of the limericks, there is one dedicated to a special lady following the pink panther around the world. She has already made huge contributions to the boat and I know will continue to do so. We know her as Bronwyn Vearncombe...you will know her as the Facebook live camera women on the Pink Panther supporters page. Cheers B.
There once was a woman called Bronny V,
who followed her man across the sea,
with camera in hand,
our number one fan,
we all owe so much to thee.
I rest my keyboard.