A short one here, as we are all rather preoccupied with just keeping going. For the last 24 hrs we have been having a more typical North Pacific experience than we have so far: cold weather, a low and big sea states. Too bad we find ourselves sailing up the face of the waves, rather than surfing down them. According to the forecast the wind should start easing soon, and I think most of us will be quite happy to see that happen.
Through the whole thing, the crew has been fantastic. They are cold, wet, tired and a bit battered and bruised, but they are working hard. Everybody helms, no grumbles when evolutions are needed, exposing hands to the freezing cold. Bilges are emptied and delicious food keeps coming from the galley. Where some might be a bit tired, others jump in to help. It is amazing to see how this race can really strengthen a team.
I also suspect they are all starting to formulate their North Pacific pub story now. And we still have 1500nm to go, who knows what that still brings.
That's my warm sleeping bag calling, so that's it for now.
Ineke, Joss and the well weathered Sea Dogs