Race 1 - Day 27
Crew Diary - Race 1 Day 27: Liverpool to Punta del Este
16 September

Ten Things I Appreciate Today:

1. Great rolling blue waves and sun during the days, stars in the sky and endless phosphorescence in the water at night.
2. AIS (Automatic Identification System) which allows us to see and avoid large ships long before they get too close.
3. Cinnarizine (Sturgeron), the “Miracle Seasickness Drug” (at least for me). More than 5000 miles sailed and I have not been seasick yet. Considering that I usually get sick on Caribbean pleasure cruises, it is really a miracle.
4. Everyone doing their best to make tasty meals out of whatever ingredients are in the bag of provisions for that day. Even if those consist only of a can of tomatoes, a can of baked beans, and a large bag of porridge oats.
5. My bunk mate Clare, who is wonderfully clean and tidy.
6. Our last beautiful and tasty tray of flapjacks (granola bars for North American readers), baked by Skipper Rob's partner, Alison, and loaded on the boat at Gosport. If you have read Lord of the Rings, you will understand that we view these as a sort of lembas, a life-sustaining food to be eaten in challenging times.
7. Merino wool clothing, miraculously stink-free after more than seven days of continuous wear.
8. Boudreaux's Butt Paste, the American equivalent of Sudocrem, for use on one's tender parts after hours of salt-water immersion and chafing have taken their toll.
9. Our reliable engine, which is charging our batteries twice a day.
10. Our Skipper, Rob, for his continuing patience, steadfast nature, and lack of profanity.

And In Other News: Ineke Van Der Weijden ate porridge, as decreed by King Neptune at the Equator Crossing Ceremony. The porridge was barely visible under a heavy cover of walnuts and Nutella, but Shaun, Vincent, and I all witnessed her eating it. The penalty has been paid, and she may now cross the Seven Seas.

IMAGE: Looking towards the bow on Nasdaq.