The solo around the world yacht race and other sailing related items.
On display, low on chocolate
Skippers log #40
23-28n 68-23w
Encountered an absolutely incredible rain squall this afternoon. It was a total white out. Rain fell as if the heaven's dams had burst. I got in a great shower, and the water was cool and refreshing. There was plenty of it and the pressure was strong on my skin. During the approaches of the squall, I just got the spinnaker down in time, with not even seconds to spare. The lightening and thunder was quite frightening. Lightening was striking right next to the boat. I would smell the tungsten in the strikes and hear the water sizzling. It is strange that with my mast the highest point in the area, that we did not take a strike. The roar of the thunder was deafening. Well, I am squeaky clean again and it is still raining. I have still been unsuccessful in catching a fish.
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Skippers log #41
25-46n 70-28w
We made good progress with yesterday's thunderstorm. Covered 174nm in 24-hrs and now have 641nm to go. It is looking good for arriving Sunday morning. Lets hope this wind holds. Yesterday an exhibt opened in Cape Town at the Education Museum in Wynberg, the neighborhood where I grew up. One of the exhibits is a part of my life history. Today I did a live television broadcast in America on a program called Project Discovery. They ran footage of my arrival in Cape Town, and other sailing scenes, while I was being interviewed. Spoke with my mom who is enjoying Charleston. Much activity is being planned for my arrival by the Foundation. It will be a daylight arrival.
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Skippers log #42
27-06n 71-40w
I am going bald. I am pulling my few remaining hairs out in frustration due to the lack of wind. We made a lousy 10nm in the last 24hrs, and it was not in a direct line to Charleston. I have light head winds. I have also quit fishing. I lost my last and best lure. So now I will start on my last bar of chocolate. Times are now really going to be tough...when the chocolate is gone. To perk up my spirits, I did get a call from Patti Butterfield and Dan at Passport International. They are trying to help sell the Foundation merchandize line on my arrival. That is,whenever I get in. I really hope things pick up and I can be in on Sunday. From Friday I will be leaving my phone on all the time so that media and friends can call.
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Skippers log #43
28-07n 72-35w
Frustrated! Did 100nm in 24hrs. Do my friends at NetCare have a tonic for frustration? With 463nm to go, drifting at 2-3 knots, I can't even begin to give an ETA. I am doing 3.9 knots but not in the right direction. I am being pushed to the NE of my course. I have left my phone on now till the end. I have structured some media deals giving us live coverage from the finish line. Now lets get there. I am ready to get on with the rest of my life.