We are still rattling along apace and James is happier to push the boat a little more now the end is so close. We averaged 7kts yesterday with some hairy moments as high as 11kts and somewhat out of control. Just before supper (pork slow roasted in red wine sauce with sautee potatoes and rhubarb crumble) I called "Is there anything anyone can do to calm down theboat a bit whilst I serve?" We were rolling wildly 30 degrees either way and swerving about under the spinnaker. Almost immediately afterward, there was a loud crack and lots of shouting - the shackle on the spinnaker halyard broke, depositing the sail in the sea. We were lucky not to run it over and retrieved it from the sea before dining under mainsail only.
The night was equally wild - we now were running dead downwind under poled genoa and main. The wind was all over the place so we spent the night rolling crazily, reefing and unreefing sails to try to maintain speed. I'm not sure the crew can handle this pace for another four days. Goodness knows how the front runners keep up with the pressure of pushing their boats to the limit for so long. I'm looking forward to cruising and dropping our speed by 20%.
Come morning, we all needed a wash, so the water maker decided to blow another union. James then stripped the thread whilst reconnecting it and spent the morning fixing things yet again. Lunch was equally wild - most of our Christmas Eve repast ended up on the cockpit floor or over the side. It was a shame to lose the French terrines. Tomorrow's Christmas lunch looks like it will prove an extreme challenge.
The children have been brilliant - Elizabeth got up during my watch and joined me at 5am whilst I was attempting to single-handedly reef the genoa. Both seem to have forgotten the usual routines as they both settled for a productive morning's schooling despite their peers being on holiday.
I feel sorry that we failed to stash a Santa gift for them before we left, but we shall make the lack of gifts up to them when we eventually arrive in Barbados.
You are certainly moving, just be careful and don't break your Rolls Royce. Poor children with no stocking fillers, I would send Granny but her broomstick is missing. Have a lovely day tomorrow and don't lose too much food on the deck or over the side. Lots of love Dad XXXXXXXXXXX
ReplyDeleteO dear - what a bumpy ride - hopefully end is in sight - I think u all have been magnificent - the younger members of the crew seem to be coping well - tell them Santa has not forgotten them and he has left gifts for them on their return to U.K. On a happy note Tesco r now selling Easter eggs and it is only Christmas Eve. Still being bashed by winds and rain - country afloat - all travel in chaos - over 100 amber flood warnings. love mum xx
ReplyDeleteEnjoy tomorrow. We will toast you before starting our lunch. Helen arrives home from Phillie in the morning so i am in charge of lunch with help from next door and sister/brother in law.
ReplyDeleteHelen goes boxing day to Newark and back on the 28th and then off for 6 weeks. Great!!
I have £20 waiting for Elizabeth and Matthew on there return.
Take care.
Keith