So, I'm back now and as promised I've got a much more detailed blog for you all this fine morning. Apologies for yesterday's brief and poor efforts, we changed the clocks on our end and this whole local time vs UTC time has got me shook up.
I feel I should start off with a quick clarification. Yesterday in my sleep confused state I said that Doctor Dodge (Graham) went for a swim and set his life jacket off. I'd just like to confirm that the good doctor is perfectly fine and definitely didn't go overboard. Rather, he was sitting on the foredeck, resplendent in orange as always, and as he contemplated the sideways universe he found himself in he was hit by the mother of all waves. Again, the only thing that was injured was his train of thought and, yes, his life jacket did go off resulting in him looking like a giant orange and yellow crash test dummy. Basically, it seems that Doctor Dodge has a penchant for being hit by waves, both above deck and below (he's still learning to close the window above his bunk).
Moving on, I think it's time for another round of:
SAIL CHAT!
Here's a question for you that has absolutely nothing to do with our current race plan and therefore won't give away any tips (wink wink). What's better? Sailing to the wind so as to get the fastest speed out of your boat by hitting all the right angles or sailing to course in as straight a line as possible despite maybe going a little bit slower? This is a question that has plagued me and I'm sure other skippers for centuries. On the one hand by sailing in a straight line you cover less ground and therefore should be in Punta on time to have at least 32 beers before closing time. On the other hand - boat speed! The crew and I have been discussing this quite a bit and it seems to me that as always, the best option is to fence sit (I do love a good fence sit) and opt for the happy medium. As I said this has absolutely nothing to do with our race plan.
Speaking of which I should mention that our "Operation Come Up With A Better Name Than Bulldog Or Winston" has been successfully completed. The plan was to think of a new name for our race plan that was better than either of the names Bulldog or Winston; it's all in the title really. Our new race plan "Operation Stuffed Toy Dog In A Handbag" has now commenced and the crew are all very excited to see it come to fruition over this final home stretch.
Can I also just take a quick moment to leave two lasting thoughts with you all. Firstly, thank you so much for all the support. It is what keeps our sails full (that and the wind of course). A big shout out to all the secret fans we have too, the guys and gals who are contractually obliged to follow other boats with family and friends on it, but secretly follow our boat too. We love you even more because we know of the risk you put yourselves in being closet Pink Panther fans. We get it, our theme song is definitely better and obviously so is our banter.
Secondly and this question is dead serious as it has left a wide rift between the crew. You've all know doubt come to grips with the fact that we all use our loo sideways. But here's a brain cruncher for you, when you're all done on a boat that is heeled at 45 degrees, what position do you adopt to clean up after yourself? Do you sit? Do you lunge? Do you go for the full upright stand? The mind boggles at the options.
Ta
Lance