8th Dec 12:40hrs UTC - Day 14
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08th Dec 12:40hrs UTC – Day 14 We have had another wild 24hrs out here. You need to imagine
standing on the back of a 43ft surfboard in the pitch dark with a sail strapped
to it that you cannot see, then throw in high seas, heavy rain, lightening and
winds gusting to 40kts plus and you might start to get the picture. Yep, we are
having a ball and loving every minute of it! If it was a Disney ride, they
would make a fortune. We adjusted our roster last night to two hours on, six hours
off to help manage fatigue. Consensus is its working well and we are managing
to cut out those ‘lack of concentration broaches’ that had started
to become common. The forecast for the next two days is more of the same and
the list of yachts with problems is growing. One crew is abandoning their boat
while another has an unconscious crew member; a third has dodgy rudder stock
– the weather taking its toll. We continue to eat well, last night was tuna bake prepared
by master chef Paul while tonight Louis is promising something ethnic Spanish!
Word has reached us of Leinster’s victory over After three days of dark overcast wet skies, the boat is
becoming damp, in part due to the constant drying of heavy weather gear. It
will be good to see the sun again be able to open the hatches. Yesterday was
our fastest run to date, covering 172nm’s while we expect our last 24hrs
(we have just been pinged) to be around 160 nm’s. We think this has moved
us up the fleet but will know more later. As of now we have 831nm’s to
St. Lucia and if this weather holds we could be in earlier than expected! ARC Control Updates……… MRCC Falmouth have advised a MAYDAY
from yacht SPAM at 11:00UTC at position 16 28.72N 048 29.30W The yacht has been
dismasted and is taking on water. Pumps unable to cope. 3 people onboard. Yacht requires
immediate assistance Any yacht in the area and able to assist is requested to
contact MRCC Falmouth tel. +44 1326 317 575 wm_Falmouth {CHANGE TO AT} mcga {DOT} gov {DOT} uk Yacht 323 Avocet at Position 15 28N
43 59W at 1815UTC has reported an accident onboard.A crew member suffered a
severe blow to the head from the boom and has been knocked unconscious. He
currently remains unconscious. An all ships assistance message has been
broadcast by MRCC Fort de France. Any yacht that is within close
proximity of the yacht and has a medical doctor on board able to offer
assistance is requested to urgently contact Fort de France MRCC tel +596 596
709 292 or relay via ARC St.Lucia on +1 758 285 9192 Yacht BLUE DESTINY has reported
sighting flares in approximate position 16.31n 053.48w 08:15 and is investigating. MRCC
Falmouth have been alerted. Any yacht within 30nm of this position is requested
to advise ARC control of your position and to contact BLUE DESTINY on VHF RUDDER PROBLEMS - 192 LADY LIV 192 has reported delamination to
rudder stock and significant movement in rudder quadrant which is causing
serious concern. Yacht is not in immediate danger and is motoring to reduce
strain on rudder whilst attempting to affect repairs. Any yacht in a position
to assist with provision of additional supplies of glass fibre mat and filler
is requested to contact the yacht directly or relay via ARC control. If the
yacht is unable to resume sailing, then they will need additional fuel from
other yachts. Position at 10:15UTC on 08/12/07 at 19
29.48N 042 13.00W heading 270 at 4.5knots |