Wow - a journey that was tougher than I could have imagined, but I expect easier than the next race to Australia.
Race start was fast and furious with winds much stronger than expected and many of the boats being overpowered. The decision to change the sail plan on our boat was made late in the day but after a slow start we were able to race through the fleet. Unfortunately a tactical decision midway through the race meant we landed up having to tack into some pretty strong weather, the wind always seeming to come from exactly where we wanted to go. Our track looks a bit like a Christmas tree, but then that is racing for you.
The storm we hit before getting into Cape Town was fierce with winds up to 40/50 knots and gusts to 65 knots recorded on a regular basis. Waves of 10 metres came from all directions and it was not a comfortable ride. The boat would get to the top of a wave and after a second when the boat felt as if it was suspended it would fall back in one of two ways; either smoothly down the other side or with a hugh crash; crockery flying, saucepans crashing and crew hanging on for dear life. I was never scared but took comfort from the fact that these boats have been built to withstand such conditions. We had damage but nothing serious and other than a few minor injuries the crew were all safe and sound.
But there were also times when the stars were so beautiful and bright, the colour of the water so vibrant as Albatross soared around our mast. Such huge birds. We saw turtles swim by and dolphins dance around the boat as we made our way east to Cape Town. Flying fish were not as abundant as the first leg but there was a definite increase in the number of squid that landed on the deck. The 'deck walk' each morning would reveal dead squid trapped in sails, under ropes and caught up with the shrouds. Funny looking creatures with enormous eyes and ink filled bodies.
Our entry into Cape Town was spectacular. We managed to get caught in a wind hole and bobbed about in Table Bay for about 18 hours waiting for the wind to pick up. The benefit of this was that the other watch, not mine as we were asleep, were able to watch the sun rise over Table Mountain. A spectacular day with bright sunshine though little wind, an essential element for sailing! We watched whales spout plumes of water into the air, with one managing to launch itself into the air reasonably close by. There were numerous seals, heads down and flippers in the air, entertaining us as we slowly crawled our way into Table Bay with the spectacular back drop of Table Mountain towering over us.
We were met by the Clipper race control boat that circled us taking photos while Neill entertained us on his trombone. We eventually crossed the finish line and after putting all the sails away we motored into the Victoria and Alfred marina. Family and friends were there to welcome us as well as many other crew who were busy working on their boats. At one point a canon was fired which made each and every one of us jump out of our skin. A memorable and spectacular entry into Cape Town.
The race was much tougher than I could have imagined. Living conditions when heeled over at 45 degrees are not easy. Just going to the heads (toilet) is an issue as I struggled to sit on a bouncing loo hoping that the next crash wasn't going to cause too much damage. At one point the entire contents of the starboard watch snack box came flying though the heads 'door' (in reality a curtain) and landed at my feet. Cushions in the saloon kept falling onto the floor and it was virtually impossible to keep the galley tidy. The water maker wouldn't work and water couldnt drain out of the sink plug holes as they were at the top (certainly designed by a man). Cooking was a challenge though I did manage to make bread at 45 degrees. The cake was shaped like a wave as it was impossible to keep the oven horizontal as we rocked from side to side, up and down. Towards the end we lived on Pot Noodles, biscuits and cheese as it was impossible to cook and those on Mother duty were feeling ill.
But we survived, we were challenged and we finished the race. It was mixed. There were times when I could have given up, times when I wondered what on earth I was doing sitting on a cold and wet deck, times when I could lie back and take in the starry sky and times when I watched the Southern Cross track its way across the heavens.
It is time to finish this post and to move onto our time in Cape Town. I still haven't worked out how to get photos into my blogs but there is hope yet. I will ask Marcus at breakfast tomorrow morning (my IT consultant on Legs 2 and 3) and will get the photos put into a separate post.
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