Little Pea's ARC Blogoramma 2 - Getting into the routine
Littlepea
Fri 30 Nov 2012 10:08
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25:24.7N 23:02.8W
Yesterday proved to be quite physical and, being
tired from the previous day, it proved to be even more of a mental challenge. As
we rocketed downwind, we had a small pod of Atlantic Spotted Dolphins join us
for 10 mins showing off their impressive acrobatic skills. Shortly after the
dolphin display, we yet again had a close encounter with two more sleeping
whales prompting us to send out an 'All Ships Navigational Warning' to our
fellow ARC competitors. The ARC is a strange event, it's not really the winning
that counts, but the finishing. I know certain readers will be choking on their
cornflakes reading such a statement coming from me 'Mr Uber-Competitive', but
after all, it's a rally! We all found ourselves genuinely wishing people good
luck before the start and actually meaning it. So sharing information such as
near misses is common place to help make sure that everyone gets across in one
piece.
As the sun set on Day 3 a line of squalls propelled
us to a new record of 16.7kts set yet again by Ben. Through the night the
squalls continued to accelerate and wet us, however the pelting showers have
dampened the seastate somewhat making life on board more palatable. Overall
spirits are high; Jags is back to his usual singing along to Andy Williams and
Only Men Aloud whilst helming, Ben has broken through his post quiting smoking
crankiness, Minkey has regained consciousness and Mike has cleaned his
teeth.
Pea is holding her own well in these
conditions. Apart from some minor breakages no significant problems so far
and she is proving to be at ease with this point of sail. Down below its a
bit of a mess and a smelly sleeping bag has appeared on board and although
everyone is denying any knowledge of it we all believe its Mike's.
The weather is looking favourable for at least the
next 36hrs, so we're hoping that our good progress will continue.
SOME IMPORTANT STATS FROM DAY 3:
Number of crew to vomit = 0
Maximum Boat speed = 16.7 Knots *NEW
RECORD*
Number of Reefs = 1
Maximum Gust = 42 Knots
Number of Dolphins = 12
Number of Whales = 3
Amount of Rain on = About as much as your average
weekend in Manchester
Mike, Jags, Minkey and
Ben |