Chasing from behind

You may have read from the official blog of the boat that we finally crossed the start line at about 16.30 on Sunday, a full 4 hours behind the rest of the fleet. That three hours was critical because by the time we started, the wind had dropped and some boats were able to build a 50 mile lead over-night as we struggled to break free of the island of Gran Canaria.

Now after our second full day we have settled into our watch routine and slowly and steadily we seem to be over-hauling many of the yachts at the back of the fleet.

Christian our skipper is patient and calm with us, as we get to grips with teasing the most out of his  yacht. This racing is unlike any I have ever done, it's dry and there is no need to wear oilskins. So the frantic struggle in a dark bucking boat at night to get into and out of your bunk just doesn't happen. We sail in tee shirts and shorts. I think this is the main reason I haven't suffered at all from sea sickness and after two days I feel sufficiently confident of my sea legs to sit below at the computer and write this blog.

Lucy the Mate and Christian's wife, is nimble and quick on deck, equally kind and patient, chiding us gently for messing up her galley, failing to clean the heads properly and not getting the spinnaker trim right. She is a highly experienced  sailor in her own right but also runs the galley and every evening we have superb food  served to us. Today sushi from the Dorado caught by Jerome and then Mango and Chicken Curry. We on the off-watch are patting our tummies contentedly.

The last two days have been spent watching the weather as we head south to pick up the Westerly trades, Christian and Lucy debate constantly with themselves and us, poring over the grib file to work out how far south we should head, how far west we dare go before being headed by winds from a developing low. Our tactic is to stay  a little west of the fleet. Already we have overhauled a few of the racing boats but some of our key competitors have a big lead over us.

On the boat we can't access the internet so you will have a better idea of where we are than we do. All we get is a daily download of each yacht's position at midday.

I'm signing off now. If you want to send any message of support or interest then write to me  at:- NorthernChild@zap-email.com