Race 2 - Day 15
Skipper Report
19 October

So this blog is a tad on the late side. We have been navigating wind angles all evening that are not conducive to us getting into Cape Town as the crow flies. Lighter winds are predicted coming from the west so the Code 1 (lightweight spinnaker) is up on deck ready for deployment. I have managed to sell our delayed arrival to the crew as an added advantage to whale watch and see Table Mountain by day from the water. This means they won't have to pay for any boat tours once in Cape Town. Seems like a win-win to me.

Before this morning's position reporting, I was cursing my own decision to stay south until we had the angle to gybe up and into Cape Town. 'If only we had gone north instead!', I kept repeating out loud. Fortunately though ahead Conall on board HotelPlanner.com had the same idea and saved me from looking completely ill-educated, meteorologicaly speaking. So a massive shout out and thank you for that Conall.

So, everybody waiting for your loved ones on the dockside look out for the wooden spoon taped to our bow sprit. I'm rustling up the support on deck for a gybe and hoist of our Code 1. The worrying aspect of all of this is upon mention of the Code 1 I heard a voice from a bunk ' what is Code 1' like it was some sort of secret code. I then went back to the Level 4 training syllabus to show some pictures to Paul Golson of the different sized spinnakers. 'Oh yeah I remember', it gave us all a good giggle as I proceeded to headbutt the wall in dismay.

I have convinced John Buckman that he is getting more value for money, god knows how but I think he bought into it. Phil 'The' Gunn made freshly baked bread this morning. Unfortunately one of the loaves is slightly well done. I told Pip who is on Galley duty today it's all about how you sell it so the lush crunchy coated sour dough with a soft warm inside has been enjoyed by everyone onboard.

Lastly I want to say a massive thank you to all the crew for working to get GREAT Britain across the southern Atlantic Ocean and what a fantastic group of people you all are!! What an achievement!!

See you this evening for some cold ones in Cape Town

Andy