We are well and truly north now. The forecast has come true and we are heading beautifully in the correct direction. The wind speeds have increased to a sharp 30 knots and allowed us to come to a beam reach. The waves have increased, causing a leaping in the stomach every time we fall off the back of a particularly sharp one. The weather has worsened and the cloud has rolled in to a close fog. The temperature is well and truly down, on deck the crew are wearing a number of layers, everything topped off with yellow Musto foul weather gear, complimenting the foul weather.
The major difference between the yellow shapes that resemble the crew on deck are eye colour (the only thing visible behind buffs and hats) and glove choice. Therefore I’m going to put together a compendium of hand attire for future reference.
Bare hands
Dexterity: *****
Waterproofness:
Insulation:
Overall suitability for current conditions: *
Basic glove liners
Dexterity: ***
Waterproofness:*
Insulation:*
Overall suitability for current conditions: **
Ski Gloves
Dexterity: **
Waterproofness: **
Insulation: *
Overall suitability for current conditions: **
Sailing Gloves
Dexterity: ****
Waterproofness: *
Insulation: *
Overall suitability for current conditions: **
Sailing Gloves with an inner liner
Dexterity: ****
Waterproofness: *
Insulation: **
Overall suitability for current conditions: ***
Insulated freezer gloves
Dexterity: *
Waterproofness: ****
Insulation: *****
Overall suitability for current conditions: ****
Hopefully this is helpful for anyone else who is thinking of crossing the world’s most remote ocean in April!
On deck snack: Some Maltesers have appeared!
On deck chat: No one can hear anything over the wind and layers covering their ears
On deck music: Some form of metal (apparently in these conditions BPM [beats per minute] are directly correlated to wind speed)
Max and the chilly but well gloved crew of CV21