Leg 4 Day 3 : 40 16 S 149 27 E

I've looked all over and there is no cool place in this yacht! On deck the sun beats down and punishes anyone not covered from head to toe or who hasn't applied the factor 50 sunscreen. Below decks it's hot and humid and even the fans in the galley provide little comfort as they are blowing warm air. All too soon I fear we will be wishing we were back in the sun but for now give me some refreshing water over the deck and a chilly breeze.

It's a strange thing this ocean racing lark, yesterday David was looking decidedly glum and scratching his head over some disappointing position reports, today everything is much brighter. There has been a complete turnaround in the positions and boats that were in front are now behind us while some that were behind have moved just ahead of us.

Barclays Adventurer flank us to the right and Imagine It. Done. to the left, both are close enough to see crew moving around on deck. The breeze is set to weaken as a new wind comes in from the west and there will be a return to some anxious times as BG SPIRIT and Spirit of Sark, out to the east, could gain ground as they benefit from the old wind as we wait for ours. David is once again in good form and has been proudly showing us his advent calendar lovingly crafted by his wife Kate. Each day of the leg has a window revealing a photo or a message. Naomi on the other hand has been looking slightly down all day. It's her birthday tomorrow and the thought of turning 30 has seen her usually 'pink' outlook on life turn slightly purple. Fortunately she is the second youngest person on BP Explorer so she's still the spring chicken to us. So, it's kites up, heads down and shirts off. 

Safe, Happy, Faster hopefully not hotter.

John Bass