A huge day, 181 miles this early in the race is a notable feat. It was however about 6-7 miles short of what was needed to hold onto second. We had a couple of light spots, and that may have been the difference. We need to put about 6 miles a day on those boats due to the way the boats are rated. If the wind stays in the <18kt range, we should be golden, if it fills in as predicted to 20+, we can expect those two boats to be very hard to catch. We have made an adjustment to the strategy that is slightly more aggressive - we won't know how well it worked for about 3-5 days. Such is the crucible of ocean racing. Either way, we have a task ahead!
This year has seen significantly more trash than in past years, partially from the Japan debris field. The fleet has been asked to report specific debris recognized as from the tsunami. This apparently could include things like refrigerator doors. Possibly eerily, we saw a hard hat, but of unknown and hopefully peaceful origin. Most of what we see has been fishing gear, and industrial foam.
Bequia has extended a formal invitation to Nemo. With luck, he will join us for dinner soon ;)
Last night the phosphorescent was spectacular. The wake produces a wonderful background light with additional points of brilliance and flare. As the boat accelerates, the wake becomes brighter, revealing the power, force and life of the ocean. Waves curling over in the distance flash green, catching your eye and then return to darkest black of night. Perhaps James Cameron used them as inspiration for scenes in Avatar, for it is absolutely wondrous.
The menu continues to delight. Banana pancakes for all (but TK) this morning. For lunch, Chef TK made PBJSCoW* sandwiches which went well with the left over Thai chicken. unlike sometimes, no one is losing weight. like always, everyone is getting stronger working out on the wheel and just hanging on as the boat constantly changes its orientation in all three directions.
The weather is getting warmer and warmer, and brighter and brighter - more brilliant every day. The crew is using half as many warm layers at night, simple foulies and wind-breakers are sufficient for warmth and to repel the spits of rain, tee-shirts and pants in the day. We are approximately at the latitude of San Diego, and that would be a fair description. The ocean is blue, the "Spirit of '83" has been up for two days, the wind is blowing 18-20kts, and we are broad reaching making 8-9+ kts of boatspeed.... it would be an understatement to say - life is good here, it might be one of the best days of sailing ever...
-BequWeeeeeeeeee
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At 7/14/2012 12:11 AM (utc) our position was 38°06.27'N 122°16.02'W
*Peanut butter jelly salami and cheese on wheat,..... of course.
Update: 2021 PDT: We just completed 100miles in 12 hours. It's been fast, we'll see if we can keep it rolling!
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