A message from AQP:
It could have been a challenge getting on a boat with an established crew and ways of doing things, but my arrival on Seattle as temporary AQP has been so welcoming, it has not been hard at all. Thanks Lindsey for giving me this month long opportunity to sail with the Mariners, Seahawks, and Sounders! We all miss you but will make sure we are a faster and well practiced boat when you get back.
Being back racing on a Clipper 70 is great and the first few days of somewhat lightwind sailing has made it easy - if not a little frustrating - to get back into the rhythm. After doing really well pushing and trimming the boat the first two days, we parked up in a windhole for much of yesterday which meant we were floating around. A highlight being a turtle that swam past at considerable distance. Oh, how I had forgotten the infuriating sounds of flapping sails. At the same time, the boats that had decided to go further southeast found wind and got to enjoy some of the African coastline. Seems for now they made the better call, but with close to 5,000 nautical miles to go, nothing is decided yet.
Last night the wind filled in and is now giving us some lovely beam reach Code 1 Spinnaker sailing. Great for practicing and getting everybody comfortable with their spinnaker helming, especially overnight. And from what I have seen from this crew, there is enough eagerness and talent to upgrade, so let's bring on another 10 knots of wind soon please.
Lastly, a special shout out to Vic (Marc V.) who made sure we had salad (on a boat!) for the first few days, and Dawn, who is compensating the end of the salad with baking cakes. What more to ask for?
Here's to making memories and spreading the sunshine,
Ineke