Three days sailing to go until arrival in St Lucia meaning we should be there by Saturday morning. The last few days have presented some excellent conditions as we make our way westwards, driven to the finishing line by the north easterly trade winds.
In these conditions Lancelot regularly surfs the waves as she rushes downwind and we have recorded speeds of 15 knots – in bursts – and upwards. My record of 15.6 knots was set this morning and there is still time to improve on that. Paul holds the current record of 15.9.
Alongside the excellent wind conditions we have also had good weather, with only the infrequent rain shower which is increasingly welcome given how hot it is!
Sailing at night has been particularly special too.
It is an amazing rush to be sailing along in near darkness save for the light provided by the magnificent starlit panorama above, at times almost overloading the sensors as one struggles to maintain an even course taking into account wind speed and direction and the waves one cannot see!
I have never been particularly fond of roller-coaster rides but this natural one must take some beating.
My favourite moment is when Lancelot is on the crest of a wave, peering into the abyss of the next swell and you feel the surge in speed as she picks up the surf and wind – fantastic! I think, even if I do say so myself that I have picked up helming pretty well.
I think years of windsurfing may have helped as I seem to find it easier to steer a straighter and smoother course than some of the others (modest I know!).
At the dead of night with everyone asleep and your watch beginning to doze off, taking control of the helm to steer Lancelot westwards is an awesome experience.
The rest of my time on board is taken up reading, sleeping (when the cabins cool down enough), taking photos and of course writing this blog! We’re now on day 18 and despite enjoying the sailing experience I’m looking forward to getting off the boat – by the time we arrive three weeks will have passed!
On the racing tactical side we are keeping close tabs on our Italian rival for first place in our racing division. They are 50 miles ahead of us, but with handicaps taken into account we still come out top dog as things stand now. At midday today we will check on positions and should their lead have strengthened we will pop our spinnaker up and really hit the turbo boost! For now Jacko has taken a wait and see approach to avoid over stressing both the Lancelot and her crew.
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