A word from The Owner. The first thing to say is that the crew are performing admirably and furthermore we are still talking to one another despite the slightly frustrating lack of wind for racing chaps like ourselves...though there is still a long way to go. However I might change my opinion as I have just been informed that the current helmsperson is asleep at the wheel and his on-watch crew is comatose in the forward cabin, lunch having only recently been taken!

Bob (or Mr fixit as we refer to him) has today checked engine belts, changed engine oil, unblocked the aft heads, topped up the diesel tank and managed a second sea water shower. He is now also comatose, bless him, but not in the forward cabin. The downside is the moulting and ever so untidy culinary technique. Suffice it to say that the Owner had to attack the cooker with a wire brush after Bob’s lunch yesterday but the meal was more than edible.

Alasdair (or rather our weather router and communications officer). He’s the one mostly responsible for the material that you read so do not blame the Owner if you haven’t a clue what is happening down here. His routing would be good if only he could make up his mind. One day South, the next day West but he does have to suffer many and varied suggestions (some of which are not entirely pertinent to the weather or the route)? from the crew. He is also now talking about head winds which none of us signed up for but at least they will be warm. His eternal optimism about the improving weather prospects is charming if a bit like a labrador puppy.

Charlie (the cook and fisherman). Only one of those titles fits I am afraid. We are still alive but have not eaten anything that once swam in the sea. No expense has been spared on the fishing kit so we cannot blame that. This morning we sailed backwards over the fishing line and almost caught it round the rudder. Of course the Owner was stripped to his swimwear in an instant prepared to free the wretched pink lure but his diving skills were not needed in the end. We hope that a change of lure will bring better luck. Fortunately Charlie knows where everything is stowed as he stowed it and has therefore become a very valuable member of the crew.

Malcolm (now what does he do?) Oh yes he tells the jokes and rests a lot but at his age he needs it? Actually he has been defying his age by going to the pointy end of the boat to perform heroics with all 3 spinnakers and the Belgian genoa. Unfortunately we blew out a spinnaker on the first night and the Belgian genoa has holes in it. Perhaps the word heroics has been used rather loosely. I am not also sure why we have to put up and take down each spinnaker twice each time. Something about practice makes perfect.

The crew managed to catch a glimpse of this tome as the owner is unable to send it without IT assistance and we would like to add that we admire and applaud our skipper in everything he does!!

Best

The Owner