Scarlet Oyster - Re: Scarlet day 15, The Home straight

Too hot on deck, so I am busying myself in the nav area, trying to look like
I am doing something important.

Still in pretty light winds, not really averaged over 12knots for last few
days, but at least we are moving.

Clouds have been something of a feature of this crossing, with some pretty
impressive shapes sizes, and colours been shown off. Some even had sticky
down spinny bits (water spouts), and many have had flashy bangy special
effects.

Our passage through the light patch a few days ago went better than
expected, with more wind (mostly from cloud) than expected, there was a
rather alarming amount of lightning all round us, so much so that we put a
selection of communications location and safety electronic devices in the
oven to protect them in the event of a direct hit, I happily report this
step was actually not needed!

It seems that the two Northern boats managed to escape the light winds up
there, but it has cost them, and we have therefore been leading for last few
days in class. The final run in is looking good for us now (albeit quite
light for another 24hrs). We expect to finish sometime Wednesday night.

Food rations have held up (suplemented by some big fish!) So the tinned
extra food is likely to remain unopened, we have 4 full evening meals in the
freezer, so Chilli con carne, Chicken Tikka massala, Thai Green Curry, and
Beef in black been sauce all remain to be eaten. Food has been amazing
(thanks Sarah) cant wait for a steak though!

Apart from two blocked toilets, this crossing has been quite enjoyable, the
southern route has had a few bonuses, warmer earlier, bigger fish, and more
showers (big sqaulls) I had 3 proper soapy showers in one day two days ago,
so at least I should smell ok at the finish.

We have less than 600 miles to go now, and over 100miles on the next boat so
looking fairly comfortable to get in first. The handicap on Aphrodite is
looking better too now, it will be interesting to see if Philippe and his
team on Quokka can sneak into the second spot on rating now, if the wind
holds in the S as forecast, it should go in their favor. The 3hr penalty
for being over the start line may cost Aphrodite 2nd place.

Think it is time for some afternoon tunes to accompany our nice chilled out
downwind sailing, I am hoping 'Surfing USA' will be more appropriate before
the trip is out!

All for now

Cheers

Ross