True to form, we are sort of back on the wind again- as we call it "ocean upwind.” Cracked sheets, fast, loose and bouncy, as now seems so normal in this race. We should be staying like this for three or four days more. Good news is that we are going really fast in a pretty comfortable sea state- definitely clicking off the miles right now. It's really a massive drag race for the next 2500 miles across the Atlantic Ocean. No gates, no islands, just a big old piece of water to cross and then we'll be in our home waters off the coast of New England. Of course, it is a tough angle for an MCM, from a visual stand point, not much will change on the boat. We'll probably have the same two or three sails up the whole time so not too many sail changes to shoot. After the doldrums all the boats are set up in their lanes and it is looking as though tactical opportunities will be limited, and as I say, it’s really more of a boat speed game. This will put an added emphasis on the helmsman. Fortunately, we have some great ones on this boat, but having said that I just realized that the whole fleet is loaded up with probably the best offshore helmsmen in the world. Hopefully our guys will be the best of the best.
So what does that mean for me? A few boring days. I'll just do the Jerry thing and try to find my "happy place" until some more interesting journalistic opportunities arise.
As predicted the equator passed with little ceremony. Our last crossing was on February 22, as we sailed south through the Pacific, heading towards the scoring gate on Leg 5. E3 were right behind us by about a half mile. Here we are two months later and fully halfway round the world, would you believe it but E3 were once again just behind us although, this time out of sight due to lateral separation, pretty amazing really.
On another positive note from here on things should start cooling off. Personally I'll take the cold any day over the heat. I'm looking forward to the New England spring days.
- Rick
