Leg 5 - race 7 - day 19
Was woken at 9.20 to come and help pull the spinnaker down into the galley. They had broached a couple of times so decided time to take the spinnaker down as the wind had picked up.
Went back to bed then woke up at 13.30. Had a shower with a bucket of water! Ready for the day. Lunch was pasta and tuna and had a nice cup of fresh coffee.
Looking forward to finishing the race now. Since clipper told us it has been extended it feels like it's dragging and to be honest feel like I have had enough time at sea now. A bit like running a marathon and your told you have another 10 miles to go!!! Mind you 1000 in our case!
Miss my home comforts and the children. Be good to get into Vietnam and chill for a bit although we will be busy getting the boat ready for the next race to qingdao. Only 12 days to go till Vietnam.
Went on deck at 3 pm had a really good watch, took down Yankee and staysail and hoisted spinnaker code 3. As soon as we did this our speed increased and at one point got 19.7 knots!
We are still third overall in race. Derry are 100 miles ahead then GB 30 the last boat is 800 miles behind. Came off watch at 7pm had a curry then sat with sophie and Carl to write the crew dairy.
Washed up the dinner things cleaned the heads and emptied the bilges. ( the joys of working on the boat)
Also when your on standby you write the log every hour. Making a note of positions, speed, wind speed and direction etc etc. Went to bed at 11pm heard that we have been the fastest boat in the fleet over the last 24 hours and we have gained on GB and Derry. Exciting stuff : funny how I woke this morning thinking had enough of sailing but now knowing we are doing well it motivates you to keep going and get faster. Igor the initial skipper put posters on the boat the one in the heads says. "If your going through hell keep going. " and "maintain the intensity"
He put a lot of effort into the boat and taught his crew well. He is still very much a part of the boat.
Couldn't sleep and at 2am it was all those awake help! The block on our hallard from our spinnaker broke so the sail ripped and was dragging behind the boat. We managed to get it in and hoist the Yankee and staysail.
I then made a strong coffee and stayed up for the night watch 3-7am. It was really dark no moon not many stars as cloudy. Also had to watch out for small fishing vessels. Came off at 7am had some cereal and went to bed.
Miles covered 279 : speed 9.7-15.7