BRITISH SOLDIER: ARC BLOG - DAY 3 (TUE 23 NOV 10)

 

Great sailing conditions and high crew morale to report in the last 24 hours.

 

A mostly clear and moonlit night with a steady breeze of 15 knots from the north east allowed British Soldier to gently surf down 3 metre swell at an average speed of 9 knots.  Smiles all round from the crew and her skipper, especially following a legendary spag bowl and green salad prepared by Sarah.

 

Our first gybe (turning the boat away from the wind and on to the other tack) in the race took place at 0045 hours and was executed as if we had all sailed together before. Our new heading took us away from the Cape Verdes in search of more favourable wind and somewhere towards our tropical destination.  As morning approached several yachts were sighted seeking some of our favourable wind direction and strength.  It wasn't long before they disappeared beyond the horizon (behind us!).

 

For those on Port Watch a few dolphins (apparently porpoise - thanks Brian) were swimming alongside during the early hours of the morning.  For those on Starboard Watch several flying fish were seen and one squid made its way on deck.  There has been plenty of good banter between the 2 watches, most of which cannot be  repeated here.  Of worthy note is a sighting of Gary in his 'Hasselhof' shorts, loving massaging sun cream ('Hawaiian Tropic Factor 2) into his thighs - sun protection out here is a must! 

 

At 1200 hours we put the clocks back an hour as we had just crossed a time zone as we headed westwards.  "Great" went the cry "an extra hour in bed," remarked one. "Fat chance!" was the reply from Brian our firstmate.

 

Just after lunch (are we ever going to run out of plastic bread and salami?), the wind veered from the east to the south east and after another well executed gybe at 1500 hours,we remain on track for the blue waters, palm trees and 'dark and stormy' cocktails.  2407 miles to go out of this 2700 mile epic!

 

A very happy MOD civvie signing out,

 

Simon