Wet, bumpy, crashing, horrible ride continued 3rd February 2012
Direct from On Board:
The rough weather of yesterday has continued into today and in fact has deteriorated even further. We are making slow progress under triple reefed main and staysail. The exceptionally steep head seas are making things very difficult for the autopilot. We have once again changed from the primary hydraulic pilot to the reserve electric pilot to see if that would work any better. It doesn’t. Nonetheless we continue to bash along as best we can.
The rough weather and forecast of more to come has caused some dramatic changes at the front of the fleet but it would be best to refer to the official Global Ocean Race website for an update on what is happening there.
Aboard Phesheya-Racing it is difficult to report on any other interesting observations over the past 24 hours as life has been reduced to the bare minimum of holding on, eating and sleeping. Brief forays onto the deck to trim sails or check on things result in one being instantly soaked and frozen to the bone, and life down below decks is a constant exercise in bracing oneself to avoid being thrown through the air to the other side of the boat.
Other than that life is great! We have just enjoyed another lovely hot meal for lunch and have both made phone calls home on the satellite phone gratefully supplied by Xtra-link. The communications system provided by Xtra-link has been the perfect way for us to stay informed of our competitors positions and the weather as well as for staying in contact
with the shore.
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4 Comments
Thinking of you guys a lot. Just want you to keep going safely, no matter how slowly. I had a wild tortoise in my garden for 3days, he wandered around trying to get out, only he didn’t think to turn left instead of right. He has gone now, hopefully into the bush and not the neighbour’s veggie garden. So slow and sure wins the race. Hang in there, you are being sent lots of vibes for safety and success. Hope rig and equipment holds out. Very brave, if not crazy… but it’s the participation and experience of a life time, only to be done by special people like you.
Good to see you well braced before waiving the gas lighter around. Keep well and safe and hold on tight. Keep looking at the waves in the bay ( gusting a mere 40 knots at Roman Rock) and think how brave you are.
Ahoy Maytes! Was great to see you guys in Wellies a couple of weeks ago. Glad to see you are bashing courageously on in a Suidoos direction unlike some of the opposition who seem to have lost the plot somewhat! I really hope that the rig and keel are behaving themselves unlike the previous leg.
Keep on with the “holding on, eating and sleeping.” Thats all that most of us landlubbers do anyway, but at least you are at sea and having an amazing adventure while you do it.
Hi guys
Sounds like you are being conservative with such bad sea conditions. Very sensible! Janet has just made cookies for my Mum who we have relocated to a home near Island Bay. Really enjoyed your company in Wellington and will keep in touch as you progress through you adventure!
Jilly & Gordie
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