Since about 10am this morning we have been in the doldrums. Last night in general conditions were changeable but ok. The light weather allowed a bit of much needed housekeeping. Hard to describe the scene and particularly the smells on a 46 foot yacht on day three of an ocean race. Without going into too many details for our friends at home...we are not real fresh right now.
Still, the boat was sponged out, wet clothes dried, sails put on deck to dry and dirty underwear and socks put back in their rightful place - ie: not on bunks! Things look better for sure on extasea today. About 6pm the weak westerley finally arrived and we are underway again. We have heard Shamrock have finished, very well done to them for getting through everything so quick. We are just a little jealous that they will be drinking tonight and we won't. Looks like the line honours and IRC double for them.
Some of the rest of the fleet converged during the day including us. We have also seen some of the Sydney Hobart fleet around us, a couple of Sydney 38's including Geelong's Cinquante and another couple of unidentified boats. Got to hand it to the 38's! Tasman Island has seemed a million miles away all day but as soon as the breeze came up they went off match racing again. Tacking the whole way down. We just want to round the mark and get on with it! Impressive to see close racing on day 4 of their race.
StormBay and the Derwent? Well, who knows. We will be there sometime in the night or morning we hope. Just as the parking lot opens! We are expecting it to be light there but you never know. Dinner tonight was a stew prepared by our illustrious skipper Paul Buchholz and cooked to perfection by JD. Consensus is best off shoremeal of all time!
Off watch now. Ocean racing is mostly sailing eating and some sleeping. 3 of our favorite things.
