Day 18 and the smiles on Hotstuff are as wide as the Atlantic. With a mere
600 miles until St. Lucia greets us we have finally moved our minds from our
stomachs to what we have achieved in 2200 miles spent at sea. We have realised
we already have a lot to be proud of and are spending a moment to reflect.
Although we don't have the statistics we are aware that the number of all
female crews that have sailed this vast sea will be limited. We are also aware
that the number of crews that have sailed it the 'hard way' - no engine
propulsion, no water maker, no generator, no auto helm, just the basics - will
be even fewer. We indulge ourselves in feeling like we are making our own
personal history.
Nine women who had not even met three weeks ago let alone sailed with each
other, have bonded in difficult circumstances and can be magnanimous in saying
we know the real meaning of teamwork. Friendships for life have been made
without a doubt.
The entire crew have willingly shared responsibilities on a daily basis. We
are all proud to have helmed in 0 - 40 knots of winds AND in waves up to 6m at
day AND night, through lightning storms, sheet rain, squalls and soaring heat
AND at all points of sail. This is seen by all as probably our biggest
achievement.
Other tasks we have shared are the cleaning, cooking, bilge checks, rig
checks, blog writing and keeping moral high by excellente entertainment or
giving hugs when needed. And yes nine women can even share 190 chocolate
bars.
The watch system was not a routine that we were used to and yet without
fail changeover has been done on time without complaint. Without exception and
in all weathers we have woken up to a welcome red head torch and tea or coffee -
water rationing permitting - not quite what one would expect in the red light
district however!
It has not been easy so far and although we have had to 'man up' us lovely
ladies of Hotstuff have tried our best to match up to her sexiness and keep up
our feminine side. (feel free to judge our success and welcome us into Rodney
Bay in the early part of next week)
When we consider the trials and tribulations we have endured as can only be
the case when we test our fantastic yacht in such circumstances, we think to our
fellow sailors aboard the yacht that just lost their rig. There is always
someone who has it tougher than you and we wish them safe passage and are
looking out for them over the horizon.
As we have faced our own challenges we can be proud that we have maintained
the rules we had agreed to before departing Las Palmas:
#1. We are a team and look out for each other at all times, in any weathers
and circumstances.
#2. We are a calm boat and do not shout at each other.
#3. There is no such thing a stupid question - which is why we are still
allowed to ask Nikki "are we nearly there yet".
Torn between reaching our goal and not wanting this amazing experience to
end. We continue our passage towards the glowing setting sun, followed by a pod
of dolphins with delicious sweat potato stew in our bellies.
With love and Fairy Dust from the Girls4Sail crew on
Hotstuff.