Hola from the Yellow boat!
Race 9: The WTC Logistics Tri-Race is getting really exciting, with part of the fleet splitting up and a wind hole the size of Wales arriving in the next few hours, anything can happen. We may converge at the edge of the wind hole and start racing together again or the ones in the lead may sneak through the lighter breezes to continue in the first positions. This is not ocean racing but these offshore races in the South China sea are proving to be real fun!
The galley today is in full swing with Pip and Cathy preparing a pasta dish for lunch and soon after the finish washing the dishes, they will start preparing dinner with some snacks in between. It is a non-stop role that all the crew has to do as part of this sailing adventure. The effort put into offering a good service to the rest of the fellow crew is great, we jokingly say "the cafe is open and ready for service." Also today, Dorthe made her famous cinnamon buns which we love so much that are becoming part of Punta del Este as dulce de leche and Mate.
We have a second Dell Rugged Latitude Ocean Sprint in the next 60 nautical miles to which we will arrive when we arrive because the windhole is going to keep us planted on our feet for a while. The crew, Ryan and I love ocean sprints and we put lots of effort into them. We trim like crazy, Mary organises the manoeuvres and the best helmers drive the boat. A little race within the race!
Race 9 continues, and we are sailing hard as per the Punta del Este spirit!
Daily Stats:
Tune of the day: Prayer in C, (Robin Schulz Radio Mix). It reminds me of my time living in Ibiza.
Daily Run: 175 nm
Max boat speed: 12 knots
Sea life spotted: Flying fish landing on deck at night so we have to keep a sharp look out to not to get hit in the face, a pair of birds that hanged out on a line for a while.
Sailing manoeuvres (sail changes, tacks and gybes): Spinnaker down, Head sail up, two gybes and lots of trimming, ocean sprint wins don't come free.
Drinks consumed: Ryan and I are on the coffee wagon, tea and hot cocoa are popular and during the day really cold juice made of powder (So refreshing but it tastes like it has a lot of eeeee's).
Meal of the day: Cinnamon buns made by our lovely Dorthe that are now signature of Punta del Este, together with Dulce de leche and mate.
Crew of the day: James for stepping into Andres shoes as a watch leader for this short Race 9, bringing lots of energy and sailing knowledge
Tip of the day: In a sailboat space is limited, with a can crusher one can reduce the size of rubbish considerably, really useful for long passages.
Jeronimo