Thursday, January 27, 2011

Days 12 & 13

Big Bertha is still going strong. The wind is up a bit today on yesterday, and we are managing to make some nice speed. We had a good evening last night, with the wind playing ball and the guys being able to steer a very fast course. They also managed to take full advantage of the gentle rollers (swell of around 1.25m) giving Ciao Bella a chance to catch some good waves at the same time - helping keep the speed up. Gerry and the boys were 275nm in front of us last time we looked. We can catch them, but it is going to be tough.

Culinary challenge is in full force. Brad bust out some bacon carbonara supreme last night (with tinned gammon to sub for the bacon), a feat which has definitely put him up for a possible placing. Mum is next up, cooking a yum curried tuna and rice meal - just like her mother used to make it.
 
Other than that, our fine dining experiences are limited.  Breakfast is rotated between jungle oats, oatsoEasy (the green packet) or a cereal which Ricky swears comes close to eating Poly-filla. All mixed with water. Lunches have been a bit more creative with a rotation between rice-cakes and provitas with toppings ranging from laughing-cow cheese and packet tuna. And of course peanut butter and syrup - the contents of which have diminished at an alarming rate.

Still no fish. We did realise yesterday however, that we have been using a lure meant to catch dolphin and marlins and not the one for tuna. We have subsequently changed lures. Still the only action that remains is this silly bird that tries to catch our little squid guy around 06h30 every morning. Concerning...

This 'leisurely family outing' has definitely turned to show a bit of competitive edge. Calls to remove the drag behind our boat (which is actually our fishing tackle) have been brought to The Boards attention. A decision is yet to be made.

One of the topics of last nights graveyard shift was what it would be like to be back. Back from a place where the sound of waves against the boat was the only sound penetrating the air. Where making tea is not a twenty minute ordeal, and a good Steers burger is only a few minutes down the road.

I guess we will only tell in nine days time. But until then, will settle for the sound of the waves and the wind in your hair.

6 comments:

  1. Hi Team Ciao Bella, the Robinson Family...
    Finally managed to find time to sign up!
    I have been following your progress keenly, in fact you guys are talked about in the yacht club regularly! We are all proud at how well you are all doing... You guys are making that Simonis 35 work hard and your progress is a credit to how well you are sailing, you are catching Gerry, keep knocking off those miles! Well done!
    Your previous blogs have had me worried to make contact, wondering if any of the work I have done for you has attributed to the failure of components...? I hope all is okay and back on track! Thinking of you all, keep up the good sailing Ciao James

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  2. You must be starving to be trawling instead of racing. The little bird is just trying to help you out, getting that lure out of the water.
    Gerrie is not fishing, go and get those boys.
    We are already very proud of you but we want to be prouder.
    Love & hugs

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  3. I've just heard from a friend in the north of England.

    He says it has been snowing heavily for three days now and his wife has done
    nothing but stare through the window.

    If it doesn't stop soon, he says, he'll probably have to let her in.

    Another bad joke. hope it gives you a giggle.
    YES. you are going to win. You are the team to beat. I dont even know you guys but it feels if I do.
    CAPE TOWN GREETINGS. REYN

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  4. Hi Robinson family
    To catch anything you will have to slow down !!1 and that's not an option its it ?
    As for the bird after the lure, pehaps you could have "bird" pie on the menu before long.
    Good luck.
    Eric

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  5. Keagan says you can almost fly when you do the last 100m of a long distance race. It’s true. Your legs don’t hurt anymore. Your chest is immune. You get this super charge from no-where. Every part of you screams with life. Sound and light warp until …… you’re quite high! I keep thinking about how it must be for you now and until the end……….. a little relieved? A little exhausted? A little excited? A little sad it’s coming to an end soon? I hope it’s like those last 100m. Fly to Rio Team Ciao Bella. Fly high!
    ST

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  6. Hi Guys - been following daily. Keep the pedal to the metal. Never over until the fat lady sings ... and I don't hear her warming up yet! Best. Gregg and RN Sailing Committee

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