Race 1 - Day 31
Skipper Report
20 September

Bob Beggs
Bob Beggs
Team Unicef
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Flat calm and wind speeds dropping to less than 1.5 knots demand lots of concentration. Helming in these conditions require finesse, rather than the physical power needed two days ago. The flat seas offer a different view of the water quality. Today we were able to detect scum floating on the surface, presumably the contents of hold/tank cleaning operations being carried out by a large ship.

Getting closer to the finish and dropping many places in just 24 hours is sobering and it’s time to double our focus and effort to regain some places. We have now climbed out of the wind hole and boat speeds are now back in double figures - hurrah!

We sent Anne-Lise Perrin to take a view from the top of the mast of the world local to Unicef. The camera she wore captured the highlights of her assent/descent, and also captured the expletives (in French) describing her thoughts.

Now we are currently prepping the spinnakers for a peel change which is always interesting to complete in the pitch dark of the night. All is good on board, everybody is continuing to enjoy the upright sailing and flat seas which make most chores pleasurable after the long slog upwind.

Cheers, Bob