One could not have asked for a more beautiful first day to start the race. After very light winds at the start, it later built quite nicely and averaged around 18 knots from the South West.
For those of you that watched the start I think you can attest that it really was a spectacular sight. Starting with the blessing of the boats on the docks, then moving to saying all your goodbyes to loved ones, to leaving the docks with an entourage on the Royal Cape verandah clapping the yachts off. Finally, the last 30min pre the start gave you a chance to wave to all those that have come out to see you on other yachts, as well as receive all the smss from other friends that hadnt been able to make the start. And then the Cannon fired the first warning, second warning, and finally the start to the race.
Brad and Ricky got the boat going superbly into the afternoon, getting the boat to speeds of 13.5knots at times. With the game on, Brennan and dad lifted the bar further by hitting the big number 14! All very excited. The evening saw the wind drop off slightly, and the early hours of the morning saw the wind drop as low as 10 knots.
The night was cold with guys getting their oilies just as we saw the sunset. I remember being crouched in the cockpit during Bren and my 12-4 watch as I tried to get out of the cold wind. It wasnt anything that a warm cup of tea and coffee around 3am when Brad came on watch.
The highlight of the evenings watch was That together with the stunning site of dolphins sailing through the phosphorescent waters. To quote Brad's description - We saw the water start glowing with phosphorescences, and later we saw three ethereal blue torpedos shoot past
us. Those torpedos turned out to be dolphins. They stuck around to play with us for a while, until they saw a shoal of fish, and as they plunged into the shoal, the shoal created the most magical underwater fire display one could ever imagine.
Ry and I have battled with a bit of motion sickness, but nothing too severe. Every body else is going full guns though, and look forward to seeing how today turns out. The breeze has dropped already this morning, and we will see how it all turns out. We are currently just off St Helena Bay, and while we cant see any shore, we do have a boat that comes into sight on the horizon every now and then. Will wait for the boats positions later to be sent through to try identify who it is.
For those of you that watched the start I think you can attest that it really was a spectacular sight. Starting with the blessing of the boats on the docks, then moving to saying all your goodbyes to loved ones, to leaving the docks with an entourage on the Royal Cape verandah clapping the yachts off. Finally, the last 30min pre the start gave you a chance to wave to all those that have come out to see you on other yachts, as well as receive all the smss from other friends that hadnt been able to make the start. And then the Cannon fired the first warning, second warning, and finally the start to the race.
Brad and Ricky got the boat going superbly into the afternoon, getting the boat to speeds of 13.5knots at times. With the game on, Brennan and dad lifted the bar further by hitting the big number 14! All very excited. The evening saw the wind drop off slightly, and the early hours of the morning saw the wind drop as low as 10 knots.
The night was cold with guys getting their oilies just as we saw the sunset. I remember being crouched in the cockpit during Bren and my 12-4 watch as I tried to get out of the cold wind. It wasnt anything that a warm cup of tea and coffee around 3am when Brad came on watch.
The highlight of the evenings watch was That together with the stunning site of dolphins sailing through the phosphorescent waters. To quote Brad's description - We saw the water start glowing with phosphorescences, and later we saw three ethereal blue torpedos shoot past
us. Those torpedos turned out to be dolphins. They stuck around to play with us for a while, until they saw a shoal of fish, and as they plunged into the shoal, the shoal created the most magical underwater fire display one could ever imagine.
Ry and I have battled with a bit of motion sickness, but nothing too severe. Every body else is going full guns though, and look forward to seeing how today turns out. The breeze has dropped already this morning, and we will see how it all turns out. We are currently just off St Helena Bay, and while we cant see any shore, we do have a boat that comes into sight on the horizon every now and then. Will wait for the boats positions later to be sent through to try identify who it is.
The start was incredible....if what a little difficult to distinguish the racers from the well wishers. Keep going folks...1 day down 20 more to go. It doesn't sound so bad when you count backwards. Time-wise you have already completed 5% of you trip. Keep safe and enjoy those "Phosphorescent torpedo" experiences...truly once in a lifetime.
ReplyDeleteSounds absolutely magical. God's rewards!
ReplyDeleteWhoop! Whoop! Sunday Times (Back page excl. naked women) says favourite is Prodigy then four way scrap: City Cape Town, Lavranos, Cape Storm and...Ciao Bella. Special paragraph on Mike who decided to make it a "Family affair", lists crew who are "no novices" and refers to Mirror Worlds. (Duh dah duh dah - jaws music) Feel the pressure!
ReplyDeleteGood luck guys! We are watching your progress and loving it
ReplyDeleteLooks like you're in about 6th place?
ReplyDeleteGo. Go. Go. Mike et al. Are you sailing towards us or away from us in New Zealand. We're watching and wishing you well.
ReplyDeleteMarkM