Less than 1700 nm to go

July 6, 2010

While we are on the topic of colours of the ocean, there is something quite incredible about the crests of the rollers during the day. As the crests break, the oxygen in the foam is re-absorbed into the top of the wave and creates a rich blue somewhere between sapphire and aquamarine. It is especially striking on overcast days since it is the only true colour in the landscape other than endless shades of grey.

As of the end of the 2:00 – 6:00 a.m. (HST) watch we are now less than 1700 nm from Maui. We are still averaging 200 miles per 24 hour run, although that is over the ground rather than vmg (i.e. speed in the direction of Maui). Winds have been constant in the 20’s with frequent patches into the 30’s and a gust yesterday to 45. Naomi hit a new high for boat speed yesterday at 18.7 down a big wave. Turicum handles these conditions with ease. Our course is now changing to more westerly around the contour of the High and as a result the ride is a little less boisterous. It has been “black and blue” water sailing the past few days since it is so easy to get tossed around above and below decks.

In about two or perhaps three days we anticipate that we will be in warm weather. It will be nice to get out of the foulies and to dry out a little but I am told by those who have done this race before that the heat has its own issues. .On balance warm is better if only because it means we are getting closer to Hawaii.

The watches mostly seem to pass very quickly. When there is a lot to do like changing sails, reefing or fixing something it passes that much faster. Of course, driving the boat makes the time fly since you can only think about the task at hand (especially us less experienced folk).

Training for and participating in an ocean race is not for everyone, but the process of setting about doing something, planning it and taking the necessary steps to have a reasonable chance at succeeding is translatable to so many endeavours. Fulfilment is a necessary component of feeling at peace with one’s self and I would hope empowers us to be better people in all aspects of living. Enough said.

Separation from things familiar is also an enriching experience both by adding to one’s range of experience and also by allowing one to re-examine familiar things afresh. Well, time for porridge and a snooze before the next watch. Whoever is out there, we will talk again tomorrow.

Turicum 74257



July 6th – Day 6

Grey, grey, grey….grey sky, grey water….no, wait!...what is that glowing orb I see in the sky?....oh…no….thought it might have been the sun, but it’s gone. I don’t remember it being this cold last time I did this race. It is a bit monotonous….grey sky, big waves, winds 20 to 30 knots. But, that said, we are making about 200 miles per day which is great.

Driving in these 2-3 metre waves is challenging, especially as some of the wave trains are coming at different angles. Every once in a while a big one throws the boat around, and everyone down below protests. REALLY difficult at night, as there is no light, everything is dark grey to inky black, and there is only the lighted compass to steer by. As it whirls like a gyroscope one tries to respond to the pressure on the helm as the boat tries to head up…all the while maintaining an upright stance. No easy feat, let me tell you.

Had a small problem with the propane last night…spent the night wondering what the rest of this trip would be like without….aacckk! Luckily, Handyman Don was able to fix it this morning. Just in time for coffee!

Hello to everyone back at home – all my workmates at UBC Hospital, my family, and especially, my godson, Tavish. Onwards to Maui we go!

Naomi
SV Turicum