This entire
leg has been about testing the west while keeping the pressure
that is in the east, keeping the entire fleet far further
east than ‘traditional'. Making it a bit tougher on Capey
(Andrew Cape – navigator), but fortunately for us to date
things have gone quite well for Capey. He and I are building
pretty decent communication combining weather and strategy
which at least appears to be working. His ‘experience'
(age) is showing to date.
But there are huge issues to contend with prior to hitting the Doldrums,
and we are managing expectations on board. I have the speech down pat.
‘Boys, you know that little lead that we have worked so hard for over
the past week? Well it is about to evaporate in about 10 minutes when
we hit the no wind wall of the doldrums'. And as many times as the experienced
crew on this boat have dealt with the Doldrums and heard that speech,
it doesn't mean they like to hear it.
On board it is funny how tendencies begin to take shape. Salty (Rob Salthouse)
and Sid (Sidney Gavignet) are threatening to strike due to unfair labour
practice by management. They claim that we gybe about 20 minutes after
their watch falls asleep - every time! They have a point, but if they
think management is going to change their ways, they are dreaming! Figuratively,
not literally.
I'm going to cut my losses now and wrap this up before it gets lost again.
Writing while on the graveyard shift has become a bit of a habit. Not
sure how long it will last though.
Kenny (Ken Read) - skipper.
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