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Warmer waters at last...
We've been on the wind ever since the start... and the PC says we will
be for another 700 miles.... living (and typing) at this level of heel
is never easy, but everyone has settled well into it.
Last night was wet... a bit over the deck but just rain rain rain...
every photo I've seen of the north altlantic and it's endless grey
skys were true! That was until about 1 hour ago when the centre of a
depression has caught us up but brought sunshine, whales, dolphins,
warmth and a tack. Sea temperature went from 14 deg C to 18 deg C in
1 hour... getting near the gulf stream now.
I've attached a few photos including Jens tidying up with an assisting
dophin, breakfast (bacon & mushroom sandwich), Andy, James & Mark
enjoying lunch in their cabin beautifully made by Alice. A jumping
whale... sorry missed the close ones as we were changing sails and a
overall shot of Pata Negra's cockpit. We've temporaily moved to a 4
on / 6off watch as it's running smooth to max on the sleep.
James Trafford has been driving (helming) quite a bit this afternoon.
It's his second transactlantic in 12 months, the last being he rowed
across with his two sons winning the 3 man category in this annual
incredible event. He raised £250k doing this for charity supporting a
UK Hospice.
He's one of Giles Repath's (owner) friends who as been on Pata Negra
before, but inshore, but like me, loves the incredible isolation that
offshore racing takes you away from the corporate, or Legal in Jame's
case) world that keeps us so busy the rest of the time. Giles
couldn't make this race due to family commitments and we're missing
him (and his humour)... we'll at least a little bit. ;)
Alice is cooking dinner tonight whilst I get 5 hours kip (bliss).
Something nice to wake for!
A final footnote hot from the deck... we've seen quite a few sunfish
hanging around... one had a bad tumour and the guys on deck saw a
shark circulating it waiting for its dinner. The other point though
was we've seen a huge number of factory fishing vessels here clearly
fishing on a massive scale many miles away from sight... reminded me
the of the oilrigs of last year. I just hope its sustainable.
--
Chris Hanson
Pata Negra
