Back in business officially and back on track to catching Gerry and the boys (currently lying in first place). The last positioning we got showed us in second place, but the race is still in its infancy with the big tactics going to come into play as we enter the territory west of 25 degrees. Mum sailed the boat over the 15 degree mark earlier this morning. Rio lies on 43 degrees west, so still a little while to go.
Winds are light and tricky. It's also hard because you don't know what conditions the competition is sailing in, and on occasion messes with your head. The boys however are steering superbly (even had little pocket rocket on the helm yesterday) and we seem to be holding ground. Reading the weather remains tricky. The big problem lies that unlike ten days ago when you were lying 9th and could afford to gamble, the odds in losing when you sitting in 2nd place are much higher.
We are into our third day of sailing along with Big Bertha. She is a big blue and white symmetrical spinnaker (big kite-like sail) who was nick-named Big Bertha by Rick. We use her in the lighter breeze, and Isabella (a black kite) in the heavier breeze. They have both been very good to us so far, and continue to perform at top level.
Our deck has become a flying fish grave yard. Ryan only wishes that our trawling skills were as successful. We have had a line out for two days, and no luck. We put this down to Ryan's lack of fish-feeding of late. Should we have bust that line out on day 2, we would have caught millions of tuna without a doubt.
Earle, thanks for the feedback on the share price movements of the retail shares. I will not have the major report on SA retailers to you by the end of the week, but promise to scoop out the South American retail market and give you the full feedback. That aside, I am sure the provisions shop will have a substantial impact on the SHP turnover numbers. That, together with dad's good taal praating on RSG will surely put me in good stead next time I meet with the boys in the North.
Not in one of the last emails have we been able to give our belta ground crew any credit for the outstanding job of shopping and packing of provisions. Jess, Gina, Ash and Ash - You guys were amazing. Almost as amazing as Ash's home-baked cookies. Especially thanks for all the games
that you bought for the boat - you know how we all love losing at Chess to a 14 year old. Ryan has now renamed the game, and comes to you saying, "So you wanna play a game of 'Kathryn feels like losing?'" The only one that has managed to beat the little squirt is Brennan... and only just.
The 7 kilo challenge remains on. While Brennan likes to claim it, we think dad is winning given he has now had to use a sail tie as a belt. The rest of us would not be surprised if we have put on weight given the copious amounts of sugar-filled snacks on board. Brad and Ricky don't seem to think that the freshly baked white bread smeared in butter helps either.
Another culinary spectacular by dad saw us finish off a yummy gammon goulash with rice. Like his mother used to make it. It also gave us all a chance to catch up on all the blog comments and messages from the last few days. They are great and some of them have us in complete stitches. 'Specially when we try guess who the blogger is, or have to translate emails. Obviously the last three years of Ryan and Micheala attending a dual-medium school has been a complete waste want hulle Afrikaans is nog heeltemal frot. Keep the emails coming - we all absolutely love getting them.
Chatting to Oom Kobus (RSG) tomorrow again at 07h35, otherwise you all have a lovely evening and will update again tomorrow.
Message from Michaela (now fondly renamed Gollum):
I'd just like to say to everyone out there, thanks for your support and your cool comments. I think that this is far better than being at school. I love being outside and tanning and watching the fishing line to see if we will catch a nice hake.
Winds are light and tricky. It's also hard because you don't know what conditions the competition is sailing in, and on occasion messes with your head. The boys however are steering superbly (even had little pocket rocket on the helm yesterday) and we seem to be holding ground. Reading the weather remains tricky. The big problem lies that unlike ten days ago when you were lying 9th and could afford to gamble, the odds in losing when you sitting in 2nd place are much higher.
We are into our third day of sailing along with Big Bertha. She is a big blue and white symmetrical spinnaker (big kite-like sail) who was nick-named Big Bertha by Rick. We use her in the lighter breeze, and Isabella (a black kite) in the heavier breeze. They have both been very good to us so far, and continue to perform at top level.
Our deck has become a flying fish grave yard. Ryan only wishes that our trawling skills were as successful. We have had a line out for two days, and no luck. We put this down to Ryan's lack of fish-feeding of late. Should we have bust that line out on day 2, we would have caught millions of tuna without a doubt.
Earle, thanks for the feedback on the share price movements of the retail shares. I will not have the major report on SA retailers to you by the end of the week, but promise to scoop out the South American retail market and give you the full feedback. That aside, I am sure the provisions shop will have a substantial impact on the SHP turnover numbers. That, together with dad's good taal praating on RSG will surely put me in good stead next time I meet with the boys in the North.
Not in one of the last emails have we been able to give our belta ground crew any credit for the outstanding job of shopping and packing of provisions. Jess, Gina, Ash and Ash - You guys were amazing. Almost as amazing as Ash's home-baked cookies. Especially thanks for all the games
that you bought for the boat - you know how we all love losing at Chess to a 14 year old. Ryan has now renamed the game, and comes to you saying, "So you wanna play a game of 'Kathryn feels like losing?'" The only one that has managed to beat the little squirt is Brennan... and only just.
The 7 kilo challenge remains on. While Brennan likes to claim it, we think dad is winning given he has now had to use a sail tie as a belt. The rest of us would not be surprised if we have put on weight given the copious amounts of sugar-filled snacks on board. Brad and Ricky don't seem to think that the freshly baked white bread smeared in butter helps either.
Another culinary spectacular by dad saw us finish off a yummy gammon goulash with rice. Like his mother used to make it. It also gave us all a chance to catch up on all the blog comments and messages from the last few days. They are great and some of them have us in complete stitches. 'Specially when we try guess who the blogger is, or have to translate emails. Obviously the last three years of Ryan and Micheala attending a dual-medium school has been a complete waste want hulle Afrikaans is nog heeltemal frot. Keep the emails coming - we all absolutely love getting them.
Chatting to Oom Kobus (RSG) tomorrow again at 07h35, otherwise you all have a lovely evening and will update again tomorrow.
Message from Michaela (now fondly renamed Gollum):
I'd just like to say to everyone out there, thanks for your support and your cool comments. I think that this is far better than being at school. I love being outside and tanning and watching the fishing line to see if we will catch a nice hake.
Love Michaela Mae
PS - Isabella is called Isabella cause she is hard working and a good friend to all of us.
PS - Isabella is called Isabella cause she is hard working and a good friend to all of us.
It is great to hear that you have sorted out your power problems.
ReplyDeleteSpirits seem to be up as well. Go and catch those guys.
Love & hugs Teresa Ivo
I am so glad to hear that the power problem seems to be something of the past. I'm the one responsible of capturing the boat positions every morning and it was a nerve racking experience when I could not see you guys on the databoard. Good luck for the next few days. Will keep my eye on you.
ReplyDeleteGreetings,
Joey.
Ahoy there!!! Sounds like you guys are having great fun too and that there is even some time to play games. Michaela, I totally agree with you, who want's to be at school if one can have such a GREAT adventure on the big wide waters.
ReplyDeleteYou go girl!
Mike, your afrikaans is improving every time you talk on RSG, moenie dat hulle met jou spot nie. he,he,he!
Go get them, keep the spirits high!
Regards
Sonja
WHAT A CREW!!! Keep up the good spirit. Lets see you win this one. Its sailing, any thing is possible. With your combined knowledge and expertise its going to be "plane" sailing.(get it?) This is an Incredible story! hope you enjoy
ReplyDeleteIn 1986, Peter Davies was on holiday in Kenya after graduating from Northwestern University ..
On a hike through the bush, he came across a young bull elephant standing with one leg raised in the air.
The elephant seemed distressed, so Peter approached it very carefully.
He got down on one knee, inspected the elephants foot, and found a large piece of wood deeply embedded in it.
As carefully and as gently as he could, Peter worked the wood out with his knife,
after which the elephant gingerly put down its foot.
The elephant turned to face the man, and with a rather curious look on its face, stared at him for several tense moments.
Peter stood frozen, thinking of nothing else but being trampled.
Eventually the elephant trumpeted loudly, turned, and walked away.
Peter never forgot that elephant or the events of that day.
Twenty years later, Peter was walking through the Chicago Zoo with his teenage son.
As they approached the elephant enclosure, one of the creatures turned and
walked over to near where Peter and his son Cameron were standing.
The large bull elephant stared at Peter, lifted its front foot off the ground, then put it down.
The elephant did that several times then trumpeted loudly, all the while staring at the man.
Remembering the encounter in 1986, Peter could not help wondering if this was the same elephant.
Peter summoned up his courage, climbed over the railing, and made his way into the enclosure.
He walked right up to the elephant and stared back in wonder.
The elephant trumpeted again, wrapped its trunk around one of Peter legs
and slammed him against the railing, killing him instantly.
Probably wasn't the same f…… elephant.
This is for everyone who sends me those heart-warming bullshit stories.
Plenty engineers on board, not so !!!
ReplyDeleteGood luck. Catch Gerry and the boys.
You go guys!!! It was great to talk to Michael half way across the Atlantic Ocean today, what a surprise! You are doing so well, we are following you daily and you are gaining on those Cape Town guys! You know what they say - never underestimate the Capies!!! But I'm rooting for you and now we have to see what the experienced dinghy sailors can produce in the fluky light winds. Come on guys - this is your forte!!! Give the helm to the Mrs!!! YOU CAN DO IT!!!! Meanwhil Ryan Black is having the time of his life on the yachting course, his BBM status is"who would have thought you could have this much fun!" He had a "Ridiculously exciting night sailing under full moon the other night!" So sorry he can't join you on the sail home! Must complete his course first! We can put the word out at Atlantic Yacthing ans see if there are any takers there! Will keep you informed! Fly..Fly...Fly.....Rio here we come!!!!!
ReplyDelete