Today is 1st December so we have now introduced Christmas music into the daily playlist.  Ben's midnight watch started with a splendid rendition of 'Hark the Herald", "Coventry Carol" and "We Wish you a Merry Christmas" until he turned off the Bose speaker.  Fortunately he didn't throw the speaker overboard and this self-control has been rewarded by several hours of musical torture on and off all day with the Now That's what I call Christmas specials playlist on continuous repeat (Shakin' Stevens currently playing as this blog is written).  We also opened window #1 in our chocolate Advent Calendar.  This year we are running with the Justice League-themed Calendar.  We were all hoping for a Superman or Green Lantern, but instead got a little square of something that tasted like cooking chocolate with a star printed on it.  There followed an animated discussion about why Mike went 'budget' with the Advent Calendar this year, rather than buy the After Eight version Mark had asked for.

 

As for the updates on our sailing progress, it was another day of firsts.  Last night the wind became squally and we therefore, with a heavy heart, decided to reef our main sail (reduce our sail in order to stabilise the boat in more aggressive wind conditions).  In doing so, we realised that, this is the first time we have ever reefed on an ARC crossing.  Felt wrong somehow...  We also had a first attack of suicidal flying fish - a first for Theia since we left Las Palmas and, most definitely a first for Iain who didn't understand why fish have wings and fly onto the deck of a passing yacht in the first place.  Mike used anti bacterial handwash before cooking and didn't have the crew rushing to the Heads after dinner - both also firsts for this trip.

 

Since the last installment of "Theia does Points of View", our followers have inundated us with comments and questions. Here are a selection:

 

Q: "How far off land do you have to go to reach international waters, and does that mean you can become pirates and plunder another boat without being prosecuted?" - HMG Home Office ARC Sweepstake

 

A: Very good question, but shouldn't you guys know the answer?! International waters start 12 nautical miles off the astronomically lowest water line of any landfall. Therefore, we've been in international waters for quite some time. As for plundering another yacht, we did think about it with the Halberg Rassy who almost ran into us a few days ago, ignoring our radio calls and breaking maritime rules about who should give way, but generally we have avoided any piracy.

 

Q: "Having never sailed and having no experience with sailing or boats in general (aside from kayaking a few times but I’m not sure that counts), I was wondering if it would be possible for any of you to record on video some of what you do whilst sailing which could be uploaded at a later date when on dry land with better signal? I would be very interested to know what you actually do and what it all looks like. If not possible, I will of course be happy to make do with your wonderful commentary via the blog." - Jess from Warwickshire

 

A: Unfortunately, we don't have to bandwidth to send an Oscar-worthy epic over satellite internet, so in the meantime, pop onto youtube and search for "Volvo Ocean Race 2017/18" and "Alex Thomson Keel Walk". This will give you an accurate reflection on life on board Theia of London.  Alternatively, you could practice it yourself - simply deny yourself sleep, eat out of a dog bowl, try cooking stood on a wobble board and use the toilet while doing a handstand.  Optional extra - wash infrequently and (in Mike's case) don't change your underwear.

 

Q: "I suggest a method for creating wind when there is none to be found!! If you can create hot air at the bow this will obviously facilitate a rush of cold air to blow in and replace the rising hot air. He will need to funnel the wind in from the stern and thus propel the boat forward." - Kevin from Oxfordshire

 

A: Kevin, this is genius. However in doing so, this would put foul of World Sailing/ISAF Racing Rule of Sailing, rule 42.  However, we have an alternative plan, which believe might not cause us to breach the rules, and it the reason Mike hasn't changed his boxers for a week.

 

Please keep submitting your comments and questions to either our boat email address or to one of our partners to forward on.

 

As for life on board, we're well and truly into our routine of sailing hard and fixing things.  Iain was sent forward to repair the boom fitting plate yet again this morning and returned a little traumatised but we hope to have him talking again by tomorrow morning.  Repairs complete, we are now in some excellent breeze and a relatively comfortable sea.  Let's hope this continues for the next few days.

 

Theia Crew

 

 

 

 

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