24.02.2006
MOVISTAR LEG FOUR DAY 6 - Die Eisbergthematik
Sent: 24 February 2006 08:11
The horn doesn't come any closer as we are sailing 90 degrees of course to
get around the ice waypoint. From there on the clock starts counting back
again, but one thing for sure it will be slow trip. Tactically the ice
waypoints have thrown real something in the game. In other editions we
would zoom now around 58 south in steady westerlies, freezing cold and
dodging around ice-bergs, but now we have to fight light air zones.
Last year on our trip to the horn we sailed around 54 south all the way
and didn't see any ice at all, had nice westerlies and reached the horn in
10 days, but of course it differs from year to year.
We lost some miles against the black and red boat in the last 24 hours,
but hopefully we get some miles back again as we now have crossed the
ridge and getting light north westerlies which will build during the day.
Reality is that the ABN and Pirates were always ahead on our own boat
position report. The race committee is using most likely another waypoint
for their calculations. We have the red boat in the lead, then the black
boat, then us.
Today we sailed in thick fog, and big waves, which is annoying as the
waves are bigger than the breeze it is blowing. So the boat is slamming
constantly and we had two minor breakages. The lashing which holds the
indexsheet turning block snapped and as well broke The big snap shackle
(rated for 8 tons) which holds the tack of the jib in place. Resulting
that the jib blew out of the headstay foil and damaged the luff rope on
the genoa. A couple of hectic minutes and everything was under control
again and sailing full speed again, it makes you realize that things can
happen in a whisker , and at times you don't expect it at all.
But we are happy campers. Good & plenty of food, the best sleeping bags
you can get, rated for -40 c, the best foullies from Musto and glamour ice
fishing boots which keep our toes warm. We learned our lesson's the hard
way. The same for the personal kit bags; we all have the same size, and
you are allowed to stuff as much as you want in them. This is stackable
weight, so not only helping people to feel good, it helps the performance
as well. In previous races it was always cool to come onboard with the
lightest kitbag as possible, but looking after the crews bodies & minds is
hugely important and I am convinced will do us good in the long run.
Bouwe Bekking - skipper
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