The evening started out so clear with, for the first time a
moon lighting up the way. But as the night progressed the big black clouds
started to come over and bring lots more wind with them. We had gusts of up to
30knts. We just had to survive the night before we could get butch down. But
the gods of the black clouds decided differently and blew a gust our way forcing
us to take him down. After being practically stationary and heeled right over
for 2 minutes in the gust, we managed to damage the steering cable. As the gust
passed and had had time to gather our thoughts and got back on track our
steering cable actually broke. Luckily we have the full proof plan of having
two steering wheels so we were able to keep on going while Derek, Rich, Hazel
and Kat fixed it (with the help of Josh steering a steady course – He
made me mention him as he hasn’t been in the blog for a few days!). Then,
as bad luck comes in threes, there was a huge curry paste explosion in the
fridge. It was everywhere!! I won’t say what it looked like but it wasn’t
pleasant!
So after our very eventful night/morning, the only things we
have been trimming around here today is Rich’s hair. Sandra has made an
excellent job, one would almost think she was a professional. Well, almost everyone;
Josh asked if the council had done it, but Rich’s reply was, “no because
I would still be waiting for them to do it or it would only be half done!”
We are now going along nicely at 10-13knts with just the
main as putting a jib up would mean we would be too far off course. Although
putting it up would mean we would be a little more stable. Sandra is pleading
for this option as she is struggling with the motion a little. With her PhD in
sea sickness she knows exactly what will cure it, and that’s putting a
jib up. But Derek, being the caring husband that he is has said no because we are
racing and VMG is king smack down. Unlucky Mum.
It’s a red hot sunny day and we are only 374 miles
from rum punch and jerk chicken. It’s been a long old 5000miles for the mighty
incisor from Cowes to mid-Atlantic and our trip is almost at a close which is very
sad as we have enjoyed our time on her so we are making the most of the last
couple of days!
To be continued...