again we're finally back on the water racing!! Unfortunately we left
our skipper behind......However despite what a great core crew we have
we have brought a new one with us !! Eero decided he couldn't continue
with the race due to his young family back in Cape Town so finished
the race with our winning sail into Oz. We now have Rob, who didn't
get enoght last time round and has returned for another go at the race
after also completing the 07/08 race on the Nova Scotica boat. It's a
real shame to have lost Eero but we all understand why it had to happen
and wish him all the best. He formed a winning team and now it's our
turn to prove we can maintain it! Rob has large boots to fill but has
already fitted right in and had an influential effect on our partying on
land and we're quickly settling in on board (as best we can in this
heat!!) and getting used to the few changes we're trying out on board.
Internet was pretty scarce and there was too much else going on
(relaxing in the sun and swimming in the ocean is tough work you know!)
so sorry to those who i wasn't able to get in contact with before
leaving. I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas and saw the New Year
in in style.
Our xmas BBQ was great, plenty of 'fizzy drink' and hours spent in the
pool, with a dip in the indian ocean on the way home later that night!
Likewise the new year was seen in true clipper style. We took over the
yacht club and the next day was a bit of a write off!!
We had our race briefing yesterday. They always seem to involve
something a bit alarming! Last time it was the video of Hull and
Humbers man over board. This time it was photos of the collision damage
to Cork and Hull and Humber from the start in Cape Town and warnings for
pirates! cyclones, volcanos and oil/gas rigs on our way up through
Indonesia! - At least there are hopefully no whales this time round!
Despite a great break in Oz most of us were starting to get itchy feet
again and looking forward to the race start this morning. Everything
went well. We've gone 21 miles so far. We were first to hosit our
heavy weight spinnaker almost as soon as we rounded the last mark before
heading away from Geraldton but some of the other boats were close to
follow. We currently have Spirit of Australia and Cork close of our
starboard beam and we're making 7-8 knots boat speed off 10 knots of
wind.
Right time to go before i slide off the nav station seat! It's sooooooo
hot, especially below deck so life is more than a bit sweaty and we're
expecting it to only get worse!! Hope you guys in the northern
hemisphere are making the most of the cold and enjoying some skiing!!
xx
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