Day 6 - Noon June 15^th to Noon June 16^th

Yeehaa! Over 700 miles in the bag – less than 300 to go.

We were flying along at over 7 knots in 25 knots of wind. The sea has got rougher and rougher and the swell is now between 3 and 4 metres. The boat is at a crazy angle but we’ve all decided we just want to get there as soon as possible. This constant upwind sailing is exhausting and we all want to rest and catch up on sleep.

But speed in a big sea puts a lot of strain on the boat as well as the crew. Another mug bit the dust as it flew across the cabin as a big wave hit us. The gunwhales are constantly underwater and there is a huge volume of water rushing down the side deck. Unfortunately that’s where we stow my beloved whisker pole. The force of water caused it to come loose and move down the deck.. Immediate action was required so Nick was sent to the foredeck to reposition the pole and secure it. Now the foredeck in a big sea is a fairly inhospitable place to be. He got pretty soaked in the big seas but hey - that’s why we wear oilskins and wellies and the pole is now back in its rightful place.

As ever we’re racing to beat a deadline which is just before midnight on Friday 18th June. Keep your fingers crossed for us – we’ve just made it in time on the other two legs. I don’t want to miss the cut this time.

Paul - Peejay