Race 13 - Day 2
Crew Diary - Derry-Londonderry, Northern Ireland to Den Helder, Netherlands
19 July

We have just come out in to the North Sea after passing through the Pentland Firth. The weather has been amazing for the last day, just as we sailed passed the north of Scotland and just south of the Orkney Islands. And to top it up even further, we've seen whales and seals. The wildlife in the Atlantic and so far in the North Sea has been remarkable. Let's hope we get to see some more before our journey is over.

I was on the helm through the Pentland Firth and we had some strong tides to go through, 10 knots of SOG and only 5 knots of boat speed. I think it was just lucky that we had such nice conditions coming in to the North Sea. We have been promised heavier weather in the next few days.

I am trying to make the most out of the last of the race and imprint all beautiful scenery and good laughs we have on the boat in my mind, so I can remember it all when I get back home.

We have a lot to celebrate on Ichorcoal, King had his birthday when leaving Derry, Mike just yesterday and tomorrow on the 20th we get to celebrate Tatty. And birthdays means cakes :) And on that note, our victuallers; Davina, Trudy and Lizzie have done an astonishing job. The food is absolutely lovely! I'm still full from dinner, pasta bolognese, but already looking forward to tomorrow’s breakfast, bacon sandwiches. But before that, we are promised freshly baked cinnamon buns during the night watch. Yep, it's a tough life on Ichorcoal...

Have promised to make some hot drinks for my watch, so must get going.

Love to all from Ichorcoal!