Race 6 - Day 12
Crew Diary - Planning
03 February

Just prior to sunset, our boat gets connected with the horizon with myriad silver lines going over the water. Just a while later the moonset creates the same result, but much more gentle so you can stare into it. This water world gives us unparalleled views every day.

The planning for tomorrow started months ago. The crew knew that Phil would turn 60 on January 31. Cards and cake cannot be bought ‘down the road’. The chocolate cake was purchased in Cape Town last November, the cards even earlier. But the night before his birthday, the sail changes disrupts the baking. The windseeker has to come done, and has to be bagged, other head sails have to be hoisted. Changes in the wind require constant trimming. But a great divide and conquer of the work ensures the the frosted chocolate is ready on time!

The Birthday Boy wakes up and gets on deck, and everybody else joins and starts singing. With an ear to ear grin, Phil accepts the cards and the cake. Well, the treat-making certainly lasted longer than devouring it. The group picture may reveal traces of chocolate on hands and faces. What Phil wanted as a present? More wind! And we got just that. And now we are bouncing forward to catch-up with the Clipper Race fleet. That was hoped for, but unplanned.