Race 1 - Day 30
Crew Diary - Race 1 Day 30: Liverpool to Punta del Este
19 September
The finish is in sight!
Here we are at a point in time that didn't seem possible or achievable when we first set out from Liverpool - Day 30! It is a real milestone for most of us here on board Dare To Lead, quite an achievement to be proud of.
The anticipation and excitement of finally arriving in Uruguay is building by the day. As we make our way south we have crossed the latitude of 31deg South, and are about 300 miles east of Porte Alegre, Brazil, and a mere 580 miles from Punta del Este - it doesn't seem possible. It feels like it was only a few days ago that we celebrated passing the Equator.
In keeping with the true Dark Horse ethos, and being fearlessly lead by Dale the Darkest Horse, we have had a few tricks up our sleeve. The strategy and tactics seem to be paying some dividends, as we have slipped nicely and quietly into 4th place overnight. What great news to get after all of those days beating against the wind and getting smashed about, as has been well documented in all of the previous blogs. The shift to downwind sailing with our spinnaker up and a fraction of the heeling has been an absolute joy to all. Although widely commented upon, it really isn't possible to fully explain just how challenging it is to live at a 40 degree angle for days on end. Everything takes 3-4 times longer, and when you are on Mother Watch, the act of simply trying to make tea or coffee becomes an exercise in perseverance, coordination, determination and sheer desire.
We had a discussion about the perfect training for this aspect of Clipper Race life. We thought that there should be a 40' shipping container fitted out with some bunks, a nav station and a functioning galley. The container could be put onto one of those flight simulator bases, and we could just practice going onto severe angles, cooking spaghetti etc. while the lever for the agitation on the container is turned onto full 'churn' mode. That way, we could all be prepared for the absolute physicality, balance and strength needed for that aspect of sailing! I know we all keep going on about this, but it really must be experienced to be fully understood.
For now, we welcome the reprieve but in a bizarre way, as we are sitting in low wind and only making 6 knots, we would trade that in to get some speed and cross the finish line quickly and in a competitive position!
The team has been doing a great job being inventive and creating different flavours with the remaining tinned corned beef, vegetables, pasta, tuna, bread mix etc. Kudos to Neil H. & Mike T. for the Cajun tuna salad with experimental cheese rolls, and a big shout out to Sam H. for her inspired tuna & sweet corn pasta casserole bake with porcini mushrooms. Although we ran out of squash about 10 days ago, we have grown accustomed to the slightly musky taste of the watermaker water and we feel lucky to have that machine still working for us - funny what you learn to appreciate.
But now, the chatter on board has absolutely shifted to what it will be like to hit land for the first time in about 33 days. What will be first? A shower, a sleep, a steak or a beer? All of these things have been described in great detail as each crew member fantasizes about their first indulgences. It seems that food/drink is marginally ahead of a sleep and a shower.
Mind you, if the Dark Horses can continue their assail on the current position holders, there could possibly be more than one celebratory drink in store once we hit port. It is looking quite close, and really is quite amazing that after nearly 6400 nautical miles, the many different weather systems faced by each team, different courses taken, tactics employed, problems encountered and team dynamics, that perhaps greater than 50% of the fleet will likely arrive in Punta del Este on the same day. Pretty incredible!
Stay tuned to the Race Viewer (as if you have to be reminded...) over the next 2-3 days, and send your best thoughts, wishes, vibes and karma to the Dark Horse as we reach deep and try to better an already fantastic comeback result - it should be interesting! Everyone on board can't wait to be in touch directly with all of our friends, family and loved ones once we get back to land!