Pacific crossing Day 7

Please excuse the grammar, written at sea in my bunk in a choppy old sea state!

Day 1-2 of the race were all upwind in 25 knots- was pretty tough, lots of seasickness as it was still very hot and the most wind we have had so far!

The nighttime shift was hard- big choppy sharp breaking waves and v v dark- boat slamming a lot- so much we nearly lost one of the life rafts!

Yesterday morning the sea state and wind started to ease- we hoisted the code 3 at watch change and had a cracking sail all day with the kite, overtook multiple boats to be in 3rd by dinner time! Dropping winds gave a kite drop and change to code 2. After helping to wool and put away the code 3 I was dripping and used the opportunity of a flat boat, gentle winds and warm air to have a final shower…

Bucket of sea water, plenty of soap, seawater rinse then 2 l fresh water to rinse off with- pure bliss!

By the evening we were expecting to drop the kite and between 11-3 a wind change was expected- approaching the front the air was saturated and foggy, thick thick fog so disorientating you think you’re steering in circles! The whole watch was a pregnant pause of anticipation- miss the vital signs the new wind is coming and you might end with a kite mare wrapped around the rig as the wind does a 180degree shift! In the end the wind died out and left us hanging for several hours- in which time Sanya and Halong bay were able to overtake as they were far back enough not to get the light airs, only the new wind!

Today has been back to upwind toil. Sophie and Stephen in the galley doing a super job in the circumstances. Chicken curry for dinner.

It’s getting cooler, now foulies and jacket weather over shorts and t shirt- might have to crack out some merino for tonight. Summer clothes and bedsheet are packed away in a vacuum bag and the ocean sleepwear bag is ready for first use!

Over and out!