2015 Campaign

Campaigning for the 2015 AZAB Race & Rolex Fastnet Race

Monday 21 November 2011

Soggy Boots and sudocreme

We have been at sea for 16 days now with only 5 days remaining until we
reach Tauranga - a mere Fastnet Race in duration! The tedium of a
delivery trip across the Tasman Sea was replaced by excitement last night
as we enjoyed a fast ride in 30+ kts of breeze with gusts up to 50kt.
With no moonlight or stars to guide us, it was a challenge to take the
helm and steer by instruments alone. The weather has passed and high
pressures dominate once again allowing us time to continue with ongoing
maintenance. Each day at 5pm we have a whole team gathering for tea and
"posh" biscuits and share our learning experiences for the past 24 hours.
This time mine was repairing a spinnaker guy, including blood knots,
whippings and chafe protection. Other learning points that I have found
over the past fortnight include a) I'm not fit enough, b) expensive boots
does not mean dry feet, c) I didn't bring enough socks, d) the pixie has
pinched my fleece cap and finally e) sudocreme is very effective in
fighting chafe - but not on the sheets.

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