Race 6 - Day 6
Crew Diary - Diorbhail Wentworth Race 6 Day 6
14 January
It’s 4am and Skye Watch is on standby. The on-deck crew are fed and watered, the bread has been made, and we are cruising along under the Code 2, racing towards Airlie beach. This 02:00-03:00 standby is my favourite standby watch, especially when the sailing is smooth, and the stars are out. We run a three-watch system on Our Isles and Oceans and although that can make days and night blur into one, the boat still tends to run with a daily rhythm. Daytime watch changes coincide with mealtimes and people take the opportunity to spend time with the other watches: the galley is usually a hive of activity. At night, watch changes are quiet, everyone is keen to get to bed and make the most of hours sleeping in the dark. In between watch changes the boat feels peaceful as people slumber down below, voices on deck become more hushed and helms focus in on the stars.
Earlier our watch was on deck for the 20:00-23:00 watch and the stars came out in force, with shooting stars streaking across the sky and those on the helm framed by the milky way. When I joined the boat the idea of helming a spinnaker was overwhelming. Cut to tonight, and I’m helming using only the light of the stars, Code 2 up and with the added complication of some rudder damage, things were going so well that I stayed on for an hour – the longest and smoothest I’ve helmed so far. It was a bittersweet moment for me however, as I’m keenly aware that reaching Airlie Beach means I’ll be stepping off. As often happens it feels like I’m leaving just as I’m starting to really get into the ways of life aboard the boat. Leg 4 is a short leg, and it’s felt even shorter, but the memories will undoubtedly last a lifetime. I’m sure everyone at home will soon get sick of me trying to explain just how incredible it is to have a pod of dolphins playing around the boat at night, only visible by the bioluminescence surrounding them as they streak around, or how it feels to helm a spinnaker by the light of the moon, or ride out a storm as the boat sits at 45 degrees, or how quickly bonds form on the boat as the team pulls together. It’s unlikely I’ll ever manage to do them justice but I’m sure I’ll try.