Race 3 - Day 13
Skipper Report
05 November
It's a lumpy bumpy old night (and previous day) here on WTC Logistics. The wind we've experienced here (so far) has been much more manageable (if that's even the right word) than the 70 knots we experienced a few days ago. We had a solid 45-50knots this afternoon, and it has continued into tonight, but the sea state is less, and the wind is from behind the beam (thankfully). The lulls were in the high 30s (not anymore) whereas the last system was a constant 60kts with gusts of 70kts+ and waves of over 8 metres. About the height of your average tall lamppost or two storey house. As Leg 2 races go, the second half of this one has been more like Leg 3, except shorter and without some of the added 'spice'.
Despite protest from some of our more bullish crew, I chose to 'batten down the hatches' again for this one, going fully reefed main and storm gib with tri-sail lashed to the mast, unsure of what the reality would deliver. Forecasts are one thing - reality another. Tonight, with no wind instruments, I am glad I did. Our speed through the sprint is seriously compromised but being safe and under control always comes first. This is 'just a yacht race' after all. Even then, one rogue wave or missed step and a fall can be painful, so we have to be constantly vigilant.
Our wind (we are further south) is forecast to drop off to a near gale by lunchtime on the 5th so that's when we will start to push. White sails at first, then code sails later. I'm hopeful that being south will pay dividends as the barometer rises and we begin our final approach to Cape Town. We'll see. In the meantime, we continue to forge some cracking Watch Leaders; Rachel and Kaz, leaving them on deck day and night to manage both it and their respective watches, at least until we consider it a bit too sporty or we are asked to come up and help/advise. Dan and I are largely like the fire service right now, available on demand, one of us below in kit and ready when needed whilst the other sleeps. The guys need this autonomy to be effective on Leg 3 and beyond when comfort zones will be pushed further - although I think the fact it is cold, and raining might make them doubt our motives!
The sea state, wet deck and high levels of humidity are making conditions above and below deck quite uncomfortable. A few people will have stiff and aching core muscles after this race and will probably feel like they have done a couple of rounds with Mike Tyson. As someone once ventured, 'the land makes soft men and the sea makes them hard again'. Double entendres aside, I agree. For a more soulful thesis on this, I thought I'd refer you to Hugo's (aka the Sailing Frenchman) blog from Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam yesterday (4 November) which I enjoyed very much. Incidentally, I also follow his YouTube channel of the same name which is hugely entertaining. And no, I'm not on commission - although beers are always gratefully received!
Anyway, we must be near Cape Town now. The various race officials that keep this wonderful sporting event running smoothly are all flying out to Cape Town in small groups and, somewhat cruelly some might say, they are now regularly sending us weather updates of the sunny cape and recounting their evening's plans such as sun kissed BBQs, etc. As I write this, another large wave crashes over the deck above followed by silence and then a lone voice from the dark shouts out (in this case Kaz) "Everyone OK?" I hear voices shout back 'yeeees' and I relax again. The cold dawn light arrives in a few hours - and then things will look and feel much better again. Just a few more hours.
Good night all.
All the best from Mark, Dan and the rest of WTC Logistics Leg 2 Crew