Race 1 - Day 6
Skipper Report
08 September
If this wind wasn't from the north, our final run into the last couple of marks would be a delight. The scorching sun is up and beating down upon our tired faces at 0700 UTC. The Code 2 Spinnaker is up again as we gently surf down the last of the Portuguese rollers from the north. Laurence, Arshia and Paul Widdowson's work seems to be holding very well.
Reading of prize givings, swimming pools and wine tasting events gets a little frustrating when your only luxury is a solitary wet wipe and a fresh pair of pants! TMI?
I'm still dealing with the irony that the real Mark Burkes is last rounding the Virtual Mark Burkes, but small things can take on great importance when you are tired and looking forward to a beer and, in my case, a shoulder massage. I have, by necessity, been required to do a lot of helming in the more challenging conditions we have had from time to time and my neck and shoulders, which are 30+ years older than Dan's (my first mate) are telling me they need some attention. Volunteers for a shoulder massage (or, indeed, to buy me a beer) will be warmly greeted in Portimão!
The last 12 - 24 hours have seen a dramatic improvement in the crew working as a team and watches are now becoming effective units. There is still room for improvement (as there always is in all of us) but we are starting to get there. A few crew have yet to make the transition from 'trainee' waiting to be told what to do and crewmate, just getting on with the job at hand. One-on-one real time delegation is starting to become a thing of the past. It will come, but in the meantime, I'm seriously considering shaking up the watches for Race 2 to better balance skills, motivation and physicality and I might even consider a three watch system if I can make it relatively equitable. Rachel and Matt have done a great job as watch leaders and I want to let others try the role for size too, so a three watch system would enable that to happen.
One thing is certain in my mind, ten crew on deck is not conducive to a busy atmosphere and 22 on deck for a watch change in bigger weather is just asking for trouble.
On less 'racey' issues, we have certainly eaten well on WTC Logistics. Last night I had the best, non-professionally cooked boat meal I have ever eaten. Sesame chicken, I think it was called, served with rice. It was delicious. Tom Sloan, our press-ganged victualler, really listened to the victualling brief and has provided a well balanced, nutritious, varied and tasty menu. My only concern is that preparation is laborious, especially in challenging conditions. A simpler menu (which includes the sesame chicken of course) would be advantageous. On other domestic issues, we seem to have overcome the propensity for crew to scatter socks, hats, and gloves all around the boat, although I still spend a large part of my waking hours walking around the boat turning off lights! I have become Victor Meldrew.
At present (if the wind lasts) we are due to make the finish by maybe 0400 UTC on the 9th. It's not the start we had planned or hoped for, but it's a start from which we can improve. I'm encouraged that (at least, as I write) we have very little damage and our sails are largely intact. This should serve us well down to Punta Del Este. I feel entirely confident that at present we are entirely capable of being a top six boat and in time our efforts will be rewarded with even greater success. Those of the team following us from home, and our sponsors, WTC Logistics, want to see us succeed and enjoy ourselves. We are doing the latter - so the former will follow.
A hearty congratulations to the winners of the first race of the Clipper 2019-20 Round the World Yacht Race. Very well sailed, all of you. We got beat, fair and square and we'll use that reality for fuel. They say you are only a loser when you accept defeat. And that we will not do.
All the best,
Mark, Dan and the Leg 1 WTC Logistics Race Crew