One should never set oneself deadlines - or even targets - in this game. It's still 2 and a bit days to half way and seems as if it has been for days. There's no real pattern to the trades yet - perhaps there wont be. Nasty - not vicious - squalls 25-30kts with an associated short steep closely patterned sea state - about 3-5 metre waves, very steep, only about 10-30 metres apart and on the beam for our preferred course. Uncomfortable to bloody uncomfortable. In between, moderate sea, 15-18 kts and reasonably workable. Was hoping - as you do - that we'd do better that the 4-5 kts more or less north that we have at the mo.
Kimbra, average track seems to me to be just a bit west of N magnetic, and the sea stops us getting much higher.
Was playing with the concept of the flogging leech. I am told that the Chinese used to pay their doctors only when they were well, as the Doc was then doing his job properly. Perhaps in Hogarth's London, the rich and dandified sent out to have their Leeches flogged when they (R & D)got sick. And flogging my Consultant leeches out here just means attending to more and more of their potions and elixirs. Dr Jasper, have started magic potion for endless daylight and very good it is too. I just hope it's efficacious.
Wildlife - was leaning over the side a bit, adjusting the jib sheet winch, and saw this greenish gold shape in the water, quite deep. I first thought we must be dragging a sail or something but it was a fish, perhaps 2 metres long, greenish on top, gold stripey sides and vertical yellow tail. Several more, smaller. A few,indeterminate seabirds.
Ian and all at RORC, thanks for good wishes and all the best to you for a successful season. If Berri hangs together for long enough, we might see you for Fastnet 09. Berri wants her dogbowl back for a reunion.
Speedy, tks for propane warning . I didn't know(WD40 uses propane-isobutane as a propellant and not the sort of gas you want in a bilge, 20% in air is explosive - ed). Suggest prize for GB should be a copy of your 'arry and the pursuit of excellence mp3. He'd understand, as that sort of teacher.
Must get out of this sweaty hellhole behind the Cone.
