Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Day 4

Day four got off to a lazy start. The crazy night before had left everyone broken, and very happy for the lighter winds and the opportunity to catch up some sleep. Everyone is now well rested, and the lighter breeze allowed us to move back to a 2 hours on, 4 hours off shift last night.
The daily positions received from the organisers confirm that we are the northern most boat currently. The closest Atlantic high that we have been navigating around has dissipated. Last night, we spent the evening winding round (in a north westerly direction), and have now turned west to tackle the next Atlantic high.
The 7kg challenge is on. This comes on the back of Brennan's mad claims of an average of 7kg being lost by everyone on this crossing. Mahala. (This is all very well coming from Bren, who every one can agree is best positioned having lifted his own base substantially post his four month stint in Natal.)
So, today saw everyone having to submit their last measured weight (pre- race), and were allowed to add on an extra 0.5kg for the effects of Christmas. The truth will be seen on the arrival into Rio. There has been much debate as to the calibration of Brazilian scales, but this argument was voted null and void.
Weight:
Michaela Mae: 28.0kg
Ryan: 35.0kg
Ricky: 67.0kg
Brad: 82.5kg
Bren: 78.0kg
Kax: 58.5kg
Dad: 90kg
Mom: undisclosed

Hold thumbs people!
We have been overwhelmed with all the emails. The Stig has been doing a champion job and forwarding on all the emails, and we are definitely a good couple of beers in debt for all his good work. We have just finished lunch downstairs where everyone got to share in all the messages. Even the one from the South Coast made it through! Unfortunately the system doesn’t allow for us to reply to messages, but know that we are absolutely ecstatic every time an email message comes through.
So day five is here as I write this email, but will give you the update for day 5 tomorrow. Currently, we are sitting in about 10 knots of wind, with Speedos being the order of the day. Don’t ask - I don’t know - I just woke up to four Robinson's busting out their favourite red Speedos. Perhaps if the wind stays down it will be a good day to try catch a Tuna.
But all in all, if the smiles on everyones faces today are anything to go by... I reckon we’re in for a good day ahead.

PS - Dad will be busting out his best of Die Taal on the RSG morning show if anyone is keen for a listen. I think the call is at 07h30, and it is an interview with him and Cobus Bester.
Lekker!

7 comments:

  1. If Brennan is the one claiming that they are red speedo's, don't be fooled!!! It is an awesome PINK!!!! :)

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  2. You just need matching beanies with those speedos, and it'll be like The Life Aquatic.

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  3. International waters, so I guess speedo's are allowed. On my boat however, guys in speedo's best be good swimmers.
    Back to racing. You are by far the northernmost boat, by at least 100 miles. However my wind forecast on the passage weather site shows that to be optimum. Appearing to have decent following winds through the weekend. City of Cape Town seems to be tracking a similar pathe to you. going from 270 @ 6.00 to 275 in 2 hrs and then 30 12.30. Looks like you're about 100 miles ENE of them. Tough to follow actually, since I think time zones are involved here as well. I'm gonna havta go on Google earth and make a bit more sense of this.
    Do you get the internet out there? not sure how this whole blog thing works.
    Tighten those speedo's and smooth sailing.

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  4. hahaha i hope brennan has his added accessories of a wits lab coat & a giant jug of OB's, and if so, make sure brad stays away from the OB's.. at least you have speedo weather to enjoy!! haha

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  5. Cant wait for the interview. Are they by chance shooting Baywatch onboard?
    Just heard over the radio that you do not answer your phone, they will try again tomorrow.
    whatching your progress on extra-track.com May everyone onboard stay fit and healthy. WE love the idea of a family having a shared passion. Now for a new slogan: " A FAMILY THAT SAIL TOGETHER STAYS TOGETHER"
    Best regards Reyn. reynwv@gmail.com

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  6. Morning Mike, I believe all's well! What an amazing privilege to sail Cape to Rio especially with the whole family - WOW!!!

    I'll be sure listening to the interview tomorrow morning!!!

    “The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.”

    All the best!!!!
    Ivan

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  7. Yup! Sounds absolutely awful: "Red speedos" and "smiles on everyone's faces". I can tell: Ryan is absolutely traumatised that he is missing out on grade 8 orientation, parts of speech, bodmas maths and athletics. Poor chap!

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