Today has a been a day of firsts for me. It's always nice to try new things and gain new experiences as they allow us each to grow into well rounded moustachioed men.
The first of my firsts was in the galley. I might have let slip in yesterday's blog that I would cook dinner for the entire crew to celebrate crossing the equator, once someone showed me how to use the cooktop. I wasn't joking when I said that, I legitimately have no idea how to use it. In fact, after surprising the crew with 24 steaks you'd think that I would be the most popular guy on the boat? To begin with I was, however it turns out that the crew like to do this thing where they eat together rather than one steak at a time. How in God's green earth are you supposed to cook enough food for 24 people to all eat at the same time in that tiny galley?! I have a new-found awe for anyone who can achieve this feat, all whilst surviving sideways. Despite my tardiness in serving, the crew were over the moon with my efforts. I mean I am the best BBQer in Blackpool after all.
Sadly, King Neptune was unable to join us for our steak feast. Apparently, his schedule was full as eleven other boats had pre-booked him. Also, he has a thing about not being caught in big waves; something to do with his hair not getting wet. I've been well informed though by his PA, Davy Jones, that he will be available to hold court on Liverpool 2018 as soon as we pop a spinnaker and the boat levels out from its current 45 degrees.
My next first was helping the crew out with a Yankee headsail change as we dropped the Yankee 2 and hoisted a Yankee 3. Those 34 knot winds have returned and after Jonny Pillar’s (aka Jonny Prosecco) experience at the helm from the other day, we were well prepared. Seeing as I'm such a good sport I decided to go up to the bow to help the team out when I experienced another first... a slight nose bleed. It was in this moment that I realised I'd never been so far forwards on deck before. It's amazing up there! The wind, the noise, the waves - I've never seen anything like it!
After finding my feet it was time to carry the now flaked Yankee 2 back to the cockpit of the boat. We all shouted "2, 6, HEAVE" (That's boat-speak for 1, 2, 3, Go) and I lifted the sail with all my considerable might and walked it all the way back across the deck. When I looked back at the team though they were stunned. Apparently, we're supposed to carry the sails in lots of small girly man lifts, not all at once. I guess I gave the crew a first too.
My final first today is one that I'm currently experiencing right now. During the aforementioned sail hoist I was completely caught off guard and dunked by a massive wave. As a result, my last pair of dry clothes are now drenched. Looking for a solution I turned to the lovely Claire Bear Fulton, who was more than willing to assist me in my time of need. Andy, I get where you're coming from mate, these women’s hot shorts I'm wearing are great! They've even got little pockets on them - perfect for me to keep my torch.
So that's all for now folks. As always remember to Think Pink and wish us fair winds as we enter the Elliot Brown Ocean Sprint.
Ta,
Lance