For those who do not know what
life is like onboard a Challenge 67, I thought I would explain how it is that we
sleep – or mostly not.
First of all, the sleeping
arrangements. Unlike the Captain
and Mate with a cabin each, those of us in the cheap berths make do with three
to a cabin. The beds are somewhat
like hammocks but more solid and stacked three high. This means that each occupant has less
room than a coffin, and probably less comfortable as well. It is difficult to turn over without
knocking the occupant above – sitting up is impossible.
Next is when you are allowed to
sleep. This yacht operates a 4
hours on 4 hours off system – which in theory means 4 hours continuous sleep at
a time. However your sleep period
includes the time taken to dress, undress, wash, sort out your clothing and eat
meals - so about three hours is nearer the mark,
Assuming you have made it into
your pit, the next challenge is getting to sleep. In between the gentleman three inches
above your nose tossing and turning, the gentleman below snoring and the banging
and crashing of doors as the on watch go to the loo, you have to contend with
the crashing of waves along the hull, the banging of the rigging as the sails
are changed on deck and the drone of the generator.
Ah but the bliss of getting into
dry clothes, snuggling deep into your sleeping bag and feeling life return to
your hands and feet almost makes up for it…..Almost.
Peter
Baker
