Race 4 - Day 7
Crew Diary - Race 4 Day 7
30 November
As we progress in our journey across the Roaring Forties, the crew is settling into the ocean rhythm. There is laughter in the galley at 6 am for shift change, music and dancing on deck, in the cockpit at the end of the mid-morning watch and the smell of freshly baked bread is inviting the crew to breakfast. We are almost 1/3 of the way there.
It has been a taxing few days on the crew and the equipment. A few days ago, we had an unfortunate series of events that resulted in a completely shredded Code 3 Spinnaker. This is our strongest and smallest downwind sail, built to sustain some serious hardship. However, the ocean is not forgiving, and there is a high price to pay for any mistakes in judgment or execution. We hear of damages across the entire Clipper Race fleet on sails, masts, and lines getting wrapped. The toll to cross this majestic and powerful stretch of water is high and being felt across the fleet.
We now must balance the desire for speed and podium glory with the preservation and long-term use of what equipment we have in working condition. Careful consideration is being put on the expected wind and weather forecast and the risk and reward balance of increasing our sail plan.
Our thoughts are with our comrades stuck in low-wind areas with damages limiting their ability to make their way swiftly across the vastness that surrounds us. Being out here, in no wind with limited sails is a worrisome situation and we wish them all success in executing repairs promptly and safely continuing their way to Fremantle.
While a few boats are dragging behind in sorting their issues, a close group of Clipper 70s are making steady progress, and the ranking is changing on a daily basis. We are very much still in the race and have high hopes and faith in each other to put in our best effort and bring the UNICEF team in Fremantle with confidence we were all in, all the way, and gave it our best shot.
Morale is high, and we are becoming a team, the crew is settling into their duties, and finding their rhythm, and life at sea is becoming the new normal. Every day feels like a blessing, gliding across the ocean alongside graceful Albatross and Petrels pirouetting playfully above the waves, swell, and spray of the strong southern breeze.
Safe travels to all in the fleet! We hope to see you all safely in Australia in a few short weeks.
Until next time
Bernard Guite, UNICEF team