Race 1 - Day 34
Crew Diary - Race 1 Day 34: Liverpool to Punta del Este
23 September
These final hours are agony!
For those of you following Team Greenings you'll be well aware that we are in with a fighting chance of a decent position. My brother Phil sent me a message this week that read, “You've not just been sailing, you've been flying!” It's hard to believe that after everything we have been through, we are in with a real shout and we are desperate not to let this opportunity slip through our fingertips. It's nerve-racking and I, for one, have butterflies in my stomach!
The emotions on board are running high and everyone is dealing with it in their own way. Some are picturing themselves drinking their first beer, or eating steak and salad, or having that longed-for shower and wearing clean clothes. Others can't bring themselves to even think beyond the next hour so as not to tempt fate. But no matter how we're choosing to deal with it, our only focus is to keep the boat sailing fast.
I fell victim to a certain prank on board that was positioned as a critical role to get the boat going fast. And of course, in my eagerness to give it everything I walked straight into it. Early yesterday morning it was very wet and the telltales were stuck down on the sails. Skipper told me I needed to sort it as we couldn't sail the boat as fast as we needed. He then proceeded to tape two boat hooks together (fear not Dave... I didn't drop them) and wrapped toilet roll on the end. I promptly got sent to the bow to wipe off the rain from the sails. I was convinced I was making a small, but meaningful contribution. But what I couldn't work out was why everyone was in fits of giggles and rushed for the camera to capture me in action. The word 'gullible' springs to mind.
The day was fraught with constant wind changes meaning multiple sail changes, constant trimming and super charged helming. It's exhausting and no one is giving in. But every hour is agony. Have we met the right speed? Have we got the correct sail plan? Is the precision on the trimming there? Is this the right course for boat speed and best direction? And so it goes on.
I for one will shed a tear (or two) regardless of our result as we cross the finish line. Team and personal endeavour is what this leg has been about. It's been a privilege to sail alongside my fellow crew mates, and I can't thank them enough for their constant support and encouragement. It's been a blast.
Not long now. We saw our first sight of land this morning.
We can almost taste that first beer.
Smiling. As always.
Jenny xxx