Leg 4: 22nd July

Wednesday 22nd July 2009: Position at 1800 local time, 44.05N, 59.02W

Today was white watches first on motherwatch, a delicious breakfast of fried potatoes, scrambled eggs and baked beans were laid on for a ravenous crew. 31 miles were completed overnight as white watch enjoyed their 'golden kip', which was much needed after 2 days of four hours on four hours off. A full nights sleep was enjoyed, only interrupted by Matt sounding the fog horn, which he claims was necessary, I disagree.

By 0900 Rona was getting in the groove, cracking along at 6.5 knots in a SSW F2/3, under spinnaker, staysail, main and mizzen. Unfortunately there was a casualty during the night as watch officer Downey was killed in action by a life jacket in the nav. More fatalities have occurred as the day went on, including the mate killing the skipper in the head with a bucket.

The serving of lunch was interrupted by a pod of dolphins jumping around our bow, this quickly made the whole crew forget about the impending food and left them scrambling for their cameras. At this time the wind had increased to a F4/5, and we were averaging nearly 9 knots, which is still the case as I write this.We put up all sails possible, spinnaker,staysail,storm gib,main,mizzen staysail and main to gain maximum speed. Unfortunately we have been sailing in thick fog since midnight.

We were disappointed to hear that we have slipped to 3rd in class after a poor night when the rest of our class had more wind further north. However, we are hopeful that our decision to tack and head south will pay dividends when we reach the waypoint. At our current speed we should be reaching the waypoint in around 2 days.

Quote of the day undoubtedly has to go to Josh Warren, who when on the subject of marriage in international waters blurted out "you have to be 18 to do it gay", which in the context had the crew in hysterics.

I shall leave you in peace now as our dinner of meatballs and mash is not going to prepare itself.

Steve Jackson
White Watch