01.04.2008
HYPERLINK "http://www.gitana-team.com/en/gitana/index.asp"GITANA
In the throes of a passing front
Clearly, any action has happened under cover of darkness since our
departure. Like yesterday, here we are again with 30 knots of breeze in our
sails, or what’s left of them at least: 2 reefs and ORC. However, this time
the seas aren’t as big, which means less water on deck. To compensate for
this and keep us occupied, the rain has joined in on the act, in a dense
curtain of driving rain. It lashes at your face more solidly than the waves…
It has to be said that we’re in the process of negotiating the warm front of
the low and, in a few hours time, we'll have to negotiate the cold front. It
is 1300 hours UT and in these uncomfortable conditions, sailing close to the
wind with a change of tack on the cards, we’ll be kept busy for the rest of
the day.
Fortunately yesterday enabled us to get back on our feet. The galley was
going flat out and everyone settled back into the route, or discovered it in
the case of the five newcomers. Although the first night was a bit difficult
then, this second ink black night couldn't have gone better, despite the
rotten weather. At the end of this little lot, the promise of tradewinds is
certainly a big incentive. What has been most pleasing of all though, is
knowing that time is on our side and that the chaotic course we're currently
adopting will only serve to increase our lead over the previous record. A
few little waves on the nose and the taking in of the odd reef are certainly
proving to be worthwhile.
Until tomorrow Nicolas Raynaud
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