We are trying to get southwest straight through the Cape Verde Islands to get the best route through the Doldrums though the wind is making it difficult for us. The more westerly yachts are getting a better wind angle but when we get to the start of the Doldrums we hope for only a 30 mile
difference between us and the leaders. It's then a two and a half week race to Buenos Aires and having succeeded in our mission to pass every island on the way we will be keen as mustard to get there by the shortest and fastest method possible. Spinnaker up, we are cruising along at over ten knots but the pitching and rolling from the swell is making it uncomfortable below and none of the crew has had a really good nights sleep in 24 hours. Focused helming and good spinnaker trimming is the key and so crew are rotated regularly to ensure they are fresh.
The locusts were a constant companion throughout the day and the sea is littered with the ones that failed to make a landing. Some even managed to get below decks confirmed by the occasional shriek as they are discovered in the heads and the bunks. To add to the abundance of nature visiting BP Explorer this week flying fish launched themselves onto our decks one hitting Christian Talpo - his Italian macho
image took a bit of a dent as he skipped and shrieked around the cockpit. We have depleted our supply of hot chocolate after a mild interest at pre-race food talks turned into a 50% preference amongst the crew in the first two weeks.
Laura Alexander's thought for the day - why is it that of all the bunks on this yacht the locust chose mine!
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