Our wind picked up at around 11, when we did a spinnaker change (a peel!
Awesome, I'll come to this exciting bit later), and had 14-15 knots boat
speed at times.
The peel was just magically on time. The idea is to hoist a new
spinnaker inside the running one, change the rigging (ropes attached to
the running spinnaker) from one to the other, drop the initial
spinnaker, and continue sailing with your new one. It looks lovely, and
it provides a smooth transition of sails without loosing much power. The
most fun part is, of course, climbing the spinnaker pole, and changing
the rope settings, before spiking (letting one end of the spinnaker go
for it to be dropped down) the initial spinnaker. Try giving a guess to
whom it was going up the pole… Not a hard question, I assume, for anyone
who knows how I love the climb. Actually, I think I was too enthusiastic
about it, because skipper mentioned leaving me there until I've had
enough of it.
The peel was JUST ON TIME: a few minutes later, the wind picked up
strongly, and we were thankful to have hoisted the spinnaker for tougher
winds? Then, another 10 minutes later, there was a snap, and the
spinnaker halyard (the rope that holds the spinnaker up on the mast)
that we were using previously broke! Wow, that was close… I think
everyone felt blessed and, protected by a mighty (may it be called
Neptune, God, Universe, Luck or "the Force")
As we once again started screaming downwind, enjoying the adrenalin and
the full concentration for flying the spinnaker, we received the latest
ranking. GOOD NEWS: we're holding our position as the third, even closed
up on the second boat by quite a few miles! Being relieved out of the
concern of falling behind in still seas we had yesterday, with yet news
of an improved position, while we were still running fast, definitely
brought the moods up on board. It's still too soon to sit back and
relax, we're in very very close postings with 2nd and 4th ranks, and
there are yet 230 miles to go.
Things change momentarily, and the wisdom lies in patience, as well as
accepting what's given, and getting the best out of it without making a
fuss. Luck can be on our side for a day, and be with another boat
another day, you never know... With the changing rankings, the shifty
and unpredictable winds, and continuous review on the navigation, the
last few days have started feeling like being on a Tibet monestary,
experiencing, learing and slowly digesting the wisdoms in life; except
that I'm getting my exposure to these at Far West, versus Far East...
So much so for the sailing news, but that's not all… We encounter the
most amazing ocean wild life scenary of the 4700 miles of sailing: we
were greeted into the morning by whales, lots of whales. And they were
not only rolling over the sea, getting their tails, fins out and waving,
even jumping off the water. Soon they were accompanied by a school of
dolphins, jumping out of the water in harmony and energy. These were
breath taking moments, when everyone was gasping, and pointing to a
newly spotted whale or a new school of dolphins. At a point of time, we
could not decide which one of these we chose to watch. Awsome…
Exhilarating… If anything (and there were lots more), the morning was
worth the miles, including the mother watch days?
Soooooo close to the finish now… Really aspiring that podium place
dearly. We're all pushing hard for it. Any wishes of good luck is very
welcomed for the next two days, at least, cross your fingers for us
So much for the news for today. Keep an eye on me
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