Race 10 - Day 26
Crew Diary - David Howie
14 April

A few years ago there was a comedy drama on ITV in the UK about a group of disparate people who were trapped in the same living quarters. It was managed by a seedy landlord called Rigsby, and the property had rising damp, indeed Rising Damp was the name of the programme. Now let me make it clear that our skipper, Dan, is far too young and nice to be cast in the role of a dodgy landlord but I think you can see where I am going with the analogy. Our disparate and desperate crew is definitely experiencing rising damp! I guess as we are a sea that may be expected but it's quite astounding just how wet everything does get. It’s wet outside and now it’s wet inside – and I’m not just talking about the boat. Water seeps everywhere; into your boots, your socks , your trousers and your… well you get the idea. Sitting on a wet deck even in the best of foul weather clothing is not going to stop seepage. Your hands are wet and then you can’t get them into your gloves and if you do manage it then your gloves are wet. There is condensation on the ceiling mostly caused by cooking and my heavy breathing crewmates. Just as you are about to fall asleep after an exhausting watch shift on deck and the boat is gently rocking you into slumber as you dream of your destination and a warm hotel room, a large drop of this condensation will land on your face, or in your ear , to remind you of where you really are. And then there are the bilges. These are very wet and seem able to contain a reasonable proportion of the Pacific itself. They can be pumped but of course the outlet for the pump is positioned at one end of each bilge and so if the boat is on the wrong tack the water lies at the opposite end and sloshes around laughing at you and taunting you with its determination to remain put. (Boat designers may want to consider this, our sink only has one plughole too so will only drain on one tack, or on the level, a plughole at each end of the sink seems a simple solution.)

The only way to get rid of bilge water then is to lift the floorboards and bail it out by the bucket load. This helps but means the poor crew member chosen to scoop and bail has yet another opportunity for a good soaking as the water runs up his or her arm and inside their foul weather gear. We have taken to hiding a plastic duck in the bilges to ensure they all get checked. When the duck is found you get to choose the location he can float around in next. Yes there really is that much water and that many options. Who would have thought that going to sea would be just so … you know…. damp? But it is all part of the fun on board and we continue to give each other a watery smile as we carry on bailing. We may be damp in almost every clothing layer you care to mention but our spirits are not, as we continue to do well in the race to Seattle. We crossed the Date Line yesterday so the USA is not quite in sight but we are heading in the right direction. Apparently Seattle is very pretty with great views and clear air although it is also known for its substantial annual rainfall. Hmmmm, we should fit right in.