Race 3 - Day 9
Skipper Report
01 November
Today saw us meet a hairy old beast called a full blown Southern Ocean depression.
Having sailed conservatively all of the day before (too conservatively to be honest), we were ready for the shift and gybed in 25knots at about 1300 just before the wind increased. 35knots came in fairly quickly and we reefed. This morning, 45knots came in for an hour or so and we reefed again - and then all hell let loose. We saw 70knots on the wind instruments just before they went mad with the strain of it all and starting reading 326knots which was a little disconcerting at first. Dan, Wayne and I ended up wrestling in the last reef and dropping the staysail, with the rest of the watch running the pit.
We've had all the normal challenges expected of a large storm, namely sea sickness, the odd fall, bump and bruise (everyone is absolutely fine - don't worry) and the general discomfort of living on a cold piece of plastic filled with 22 warm bodies creating the manmade equivalent of a cold rainforest, condensation dripping everywhere. Everyone has damp bunks, damp kit, wet boots and gloves and looking forward to a good sleep.
I'd guess we saw a sustained 60knots for a few hours with gusts between 70knots and 80knots possible. The deck is very wet with hundreds of gallons of seawater breaking over the onwatch every few minutes. Helms are short clipped to their helming station to avoid being washed off the wheel, which this morning could have been a distinct possibility. I certainly feel saltwater blasted as the wind starts to abate. 35kts is now more the score, not 60, although the 60kt sea state still remains.
Most of the day was a rock solid 50-55kts and by the end of the day the sea state was pretty fruity with the odd wave rolling in at 8 metres plus. Our desire to stay south meant we couldn't just let off the brakes and surf but instead we crashed along on a beam reach. Lots of green water over the deck made everyone very aware of why we must always be clipped on. Those able to come to deck did so, those that could not carried on their duties below, cleaning heads, clearing bilges, cooking food, etc.
Special thanks today should go to Paul Mascard, Tom Sloan, Brad Howie and particularly Arshia Mahmood who all just mucked in to keep the warm food coming after our duty mothers succumbed to sea sickness or were required on deck to helm this bucking bronco as she surged across huge icy waves on her side.
I think it's now fair to say everyone here has a solid respect for what the Southern Ocean can casually conjure up for her entertainment. And despite the discomforts most enjoyed at least one watch today! One week to Cape Town. Warm showers and a dry bed currently high on the agenda.
All the best from
Mark, Dan and the rest of WTC Logistics Leg 2 Crew