Race 10 - Day 21
Crew Diary - Mother Watch!
09 April

Stephanie Stewart

Team

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Mother Watch! It comes round once a week for each pair on Dare to Lead. Owing to a last minute watch shuffle, I am now paired with Dave and we seem to have found our groove in the galley. Alas, neither of us are very tall which makes reaching the items stored up high, a challenge to reach. It is an unusual day of cooking and cleaning for 16 mouths, but is a welcome break from the cold and rain on deck. The recent relief of dry days and fast sailing has given way to another low pressure system bringing wind and rain with it! Being a northerner, I have just three layers on (including foulies) but I have watched fellow crew this morning remove six or more layers prior to bed! The best item I have brought with me so far has to be my neoprene balaclava, thrown in last minute ‘just in case.’ It is also getting cold below decks now, with me wearing almost as many layers as I would above deck. This makes yogurt and bread making very challenging. Also, you have to remember to tuck in each layer carefully following a visit to the heads to prevent any drafts, or missed layers.

On today’s menu is soup and wraps followed by beef ramen noodles for tea. The last Mother Watch was a little lively with several ‘explosions’ of yeast, baked beans and potato. I am hoping for a less eventful Mother Watch today! On a positive note, it did give me good reason to thoroughly unpack, clean and repack the galley. Anyone that knows me will understand how much I love a good sort out even when beating upwind with the boat on a 40 degree angle.

Love to my family and friends at home, I am safe and well; I look forward to talking soon. Hopefully within 2 weeks, weather permitting!

Breakfast

Dawn breaks

Turn the stove on

Kettle on to boil

Turn red lights on.

Tired eyes

Hungry faces

‘Coffee please’

Shuffle along, create spaces.

Two mothers, one galley

Lean in, reach up