Race 1 - Day 6
Crew Diary - RACE 1 - DAY 6
10 September

After the exhilaration of a sparkling race start, we were blessed with the sun on our faces and the wind on our backs, filling our sails. Life doesn’t get much better and we felt blessed. Passing dolphins and resting migrating birds joined us on our journey and added to our joy.

This great start allowed us all to recap some training points and settle into the watch system. As watch lead this not only gave me time to understand the watch strengths and weaknesses, but also for me to get more comfortable with my role, which I was a bit daunted by.

As we rounded into Biscay we sat quietly to witness Mother Nature trip the light fantastic as fork and sheet lightening lit up the skies. This, against the eerie quiet of the bay was very foreboding. Biscay didn’t disappoint, we were put through the ringer of squalls, ocean swells and rain lashing our faces. I must admit I was not able to hold on to my second helping of Oggie’s Birthday cake, but did manage to stay on watch, as my stomach churned and my senses sharpened. I was impressed too by my fellow crews’ resilience especially on the pounding foredeck.

After just 4 days I feel more alive, aware and “on it” than I thought I would and despite the challenge of the preceding days I knew the crew would rise to the challenge of whatever came our way, as a team.

The waning moon continued to light the deck and finally we were out the other side. However, racing in lighter, fluky winds is just as frustrating, especially to fidgety crew who were impatient to attack the Sprint.

So here we are now having “crossed the finish line” in 3rd place, both watches on deck cheering with one voice. Buoyed by our achievement, proud of our Skipper and AQP, Dan and Laura. Always looking forward, planning our sail/motor into Puerto Sherry, near Cadiz (about 60 hours away). There is much to do but, I think, we are all physically and mentally pumped for the Next race. Bring it on! (After a little rest first)