Hello there patient PSP watchers,
Hopefully this will be the last blog of this epic 5000 mile crossing. We have under 50 miles to go, but I have been foxed by the Juan de Fuca wind holes and tides before, so you will see no chicken counting here.
It’s been an amazing race. We had a brilliant start, easily proving that we can sail the boat fast both up and down wind. We then struggled a bit in the very shifty and uncertain weather off Japan. By changing our mind as to what was the least bad option not once but three times we gave up our solid position and found ourselves firmly at the back of the fleet. We pressed on though, despite the expected drooping of heads and spirits, the mid race colds and bruises, and fought our way back. A lucky wind hole (when have I ever said that!!!!) now leaves us in striking distance of the main pack, but still locked in a dogfight to avoid the wooden spoon.
I could not be prouder of the team. The round the worlders and multi-leggers, already exhausted by this stage of the journey, who continued to fight, stay cheerful and pass on their knowledge, and the several single leggers, who brought so much energy and enthusiasm to the crew. Everyone played their part, and will be standing tall when we sail in. We have achieved something incredible crossing this ocean. A fact not lost on any of us. We were tested in ways we didn't expect and passed the test with heads held high.
But for now, it’s back to fighting through the shifty, challenging conditions of the next 50 miles. Much is still to do.
On on!!!
Mike, Lottie and the exhausted but proud crew of PSP Logistics
PS. Gas rationing is officially over, so a huge thank you to Vera, Mark, Tom, Lisa, Jon and Dianne who more than made up for a week of abstinence with a positive tsunami of cakes of every type and description.