Race 14 - Day 2
Crew Diary - Race 14 Day 2
01 July

Hello, our avid supporters,

I write this having just completed our penultimate Le Mans start. I can’t quite get my head around the fact we are now heading across the North Atlantic towards the UK. Where has the time gone? How has that happened? Has Black Betty really circumnavigated the globe, done almost 40,000 nm and is now heading home? It really is hard to believe that this is our final big journey before it will all be over. I am sure all on board have very mixed feelings about this but regardless of that we are on our way and determined to do our very best in this, our last ocean crossing.

New York was a fantastic stopover. It was truly an incredible experience to sail alongside the Statue of Liberty at the end of the race. I could not help but reflect how incredibly lucky we were to have such an opportunity. This was followed by a great Prizegiving at Surf City on the waterfront - obviously extra special as we managed to get on the podium so we were sure to make the most of our two-hour free drinks window! Black Betty was in great shape on arrival so we only had one day of maintenance and no other commitments. This meant all except Steve – our dedicated victualler to whom we are eternally grateful, got two whole days off. Between us we covered a vast array of activities. Shows, 9/11 memorial, Central Park, Central Station, the Highline, New York Pride plus many more.

As we departed this iconic city yesterday, sailing yet again past the Statue and leaving behind the impressive skyline we were in good spirits, grateful for the experience yet ready to take on the next challenge. A handful of the crew are understandably a little apprehensive as they have not yet done an ocean crossing but we know they will lap it up. Even if it is type 2 fun I have no doubt it will leave them with many happy memories.

We spent the night motoring/sailing to the start point for the race and carrying out our MOB drills. At 6am the Lead Skipper, who happens to be our very own Dan, started mustering the fleet and informing them of the Yankee 2 and one reef sail plan. We then had a little time to practise our drills and get everything shipshape before the 10 minute countdown and race start. Dan did a great job getting the fleet sorted and then we were off. Moving hastily to our positions we got the Yankee 2 up, choosing to leave the Staysail down. As is always the case with the Le Mans Start, you have to hold your sail plan for 10 minutes. After that your course and sails can be adjusted to your choice. Bang on the 10 minutes we hoisted our Code 2 spinnaker and took out the reef. The drill went seamlessly and we were soon in the leading pack. Not all, but many of the other boats also hoisted a kite - some the Code 1 and others the Code 2.

That brings you up to date with life aboard Black Betty. We have now gone into our watch system with my watch - Jaz, Paul, Sophie, Steve and Smita , being off until 1pm. On this race we have decided we will rotate watches. This means when you finish your Mother Duty you go onto the other watch until your next Mother when you return to your original watch! It’s a little confusing at times but is more sociable as you get to be on a watch with the majority of the crew. We also have John, an on board reporter with us so hopefully there may be some pics of us coming your way.

Thanks as always for your continued support. We are all incredibly excited to be seeing many of you in Derry and London once we have raced as hard as we can across the Atlantic.