What, might you say, am I talking about? Well according to Playing Around Logic this morning, this is how the yacht has been feeling like all night. The wind filled in very quickly as expected later on yesterday evening, culminating with them having up to 43 knots (Force 8) gusting. Although their point of sail is ultimately a reach, the confused state of the seas (coming in at 3 different directions) meant progress was slow and very uncomfortable over night. Peter called this morning to say that the wind was decreasing a little, but they were still sailing with 2 reefs in the mainsail and a no 4 jib, and still making good speed at over 7.5 knots. The wash boards are in to prevent water going down below and those off watch in their bunks or navigating have described the feeling as been inside a washing machine and tumble dryer! I am sure you can understand the analogy! However, all is well onboard however even after a broken Jib halyard has meant the loss of their No 3 headsail, which was so damaged by flogging itself to death before the crew could get it on deck, that it has gone to a watery grave. Playing Around are doing really well still 3rd in class but 9th overall, and gaining at every schedule over Encore who at one point got away by over 40 miles. He deficit is now just 32 miles at 11am BST this morning.
Meanwhile, Visit Malta Puma are back off the bottom of the leader board – hurrah!! They seem to be attached to their next target ‘Winsome’ by a bit of elastic at present. Although they are ahead of Winsome on the water they need to put more mileage between themselves before they can claw back another spot in the overall rankings. This is down to Winsome having a better handicap than Puma. However, they are making in-roads into the other 4 IRC Class 1 yachts and are speeding along at over 8 knots now. They are 85.7 miles behind Cheeki Rafiki after being more than 100 miles behind this time yesterday so they are still gaining…..well done Puma. No news from the yacht today as yet, but I have long ago steeled myself to know that no news is good news, as they will be concentrating on making good boat speed, which is the most important thing. Psychologically, been able to see other yachts and knowing they have overhauled Change of Course, and are making in-roads into the mileage deficit, must be giving them cheer.
By this stage in the race, the teams have been at sea for nearly a week. No showers, limited fresh food, no alcohol (well apart from Playing Around’s tot of Whisky going round MF)……sleep deprivation, continually being wet and cold, working during the night, no duvets or pillows, limited access to news from home…..spare them a thought during this Bank Holiday Weekend – they are throwing everything at the race and as previously stated, it is not for the faint hearted or the ill-prepared. Sailing Logic takes great pride in making sure all its teams an yachts are prepared to the best they can be, this way everyone then can get the most from the experience, and take away with them the achievement of a lifetime. This race might not be as glamorous as the Sydney-Hobart, or the Fastnet, but believe you me, it is 10 times as hard, physically and emotionally. It is longer, tougher, colder and more extreme in conditions than most offshore racers, and only the Round the World races are at sea for longer.
Keep the messages of support coming – it is at this point in the race when the reality dawns that they have at least another 5 if not 6 days at seas that links to home and family are the most important of all.
Also, congratulation to the crew of Groupama who as I type are racing across the finish line in Cowes, 1st overall and who have broken the course record – well done Frank Cammas and team, an awesome job!
