Position at 2100 local time, 3rd August 2009, 53.34N, 16.51W
After beating over night, the wind eventually moved round to a broad reach, this meant we were able to head straight for the finish line. Only 317 miles to go!! Now with the wind directly behind us we were cruising along; letting rip doing what we do best. With the wind hitting huge speeds of 48 knots and Bryn on the helm red watch pushed Rona to its limits reaching a staggering 15 knots surfing down the big Atlantic rollers.
As mother watch woke up they were immediately put to the test by cooking in F9/10 winds and having to deal with the boat constantly leaning on its side. But with Steptoe shouting the order white watch sailed through. For lunch we had chicken soup followed by noodles in a mushroom sauce. Next were hot dogs in specially made buns by the legend himself Johnny Ho.
During this fantastic day of brilliant sailing red watch decided it was the perfect time to relax on deck by playing a game of top trumps. In ridiculous F10 winds and with waves crashing over the side of the boat, yet they still continued to play. Not sure they realised we had a race to win.
We have now had the excitement of experiencing a severe gale and today a full storm.
A moment for the history books, the skipper and mate on deck. The mate in his dry suit all chuffed to bits thinking he's the man and not getting wet. When a sudden wave crept up and soaked the both of them. Ha-ha. The skipper complained his slippers got wet.
Lee Price - White watch
Finally, a special birthday message to Andrew's wife Claire...happy birthday darling for tomorrow...hope you like the present.
AndrewXXX
Looks like you're all having a great little adventure - slightly jealous.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad Jonny Ho's bread features here - just don't ask him to make cookies (unless you need an indestructible frisbee!)
I look forward to reading about the final push to the finish line - you must all be excited about getting back to your adoring fans.
Take care of each other.
Keep going Rona II, put your cards away and win in style. Went for a walk on the beach yesterday - dam glass every where. Besides who is Gordon anyway?
ReplyDeleteSolved the washing up problem. If you have some net bags -like onions or carrots come in AND you aren't using nice china tie the dirty dishes in bags and trail the bag by a rope behind the boat - energy free washing machine and salt water sterilizes too. Dry if possible in sunlight - more sterilization Problem - could slow the boat but you could measure this to check.
ReplyDeleteGrandma Wales
Hi Guys, thanks for the message & photo - what a lovely birthday surprise! Andrew, I love the present which was a perfect choice as always. Keep sailing hard and put everything into those final miles to the finish line. You are all amazing! Claire xxx
ReplyDeleteHi Rona II
ReplyDeleteGreat reading the blogs - that's new (technology) since 2000! 15 knots . WOW. what a team you've got on board and still first in class - skill.
Laura's having a good time in south america - off to bolivia any time.
"Soft inside" - As you're so close to the finish, now's the time to share those scary sailing articles !
see you in sunny (hopefully) Belfast. Much rain and wind here but of course not in the same league as a mid Atlantic gale.
happy sailing/eating/winning.
Hi Lee and all you Lads
ReplyDeleteWow finish line in sight. Bet you're excited, I know we are. HOT showers, food and sleep, all your dreams coming true very soon. You have done an amazing job, enjoy your win tomorrow, i'm sure you will celebrate in true Rona style. Can't wait for the blog and pictures.
Love to you all Hazel and Garry xx
Hi Rona II
ReplyDeleteSteve wanted to cross the Atlantic and experience a storm so you know who to blame now!
What a crossing you are having, one gale after another. It looks like you will be back in 16 days which is an incredible record. We look forward to hearing where you will be going to "rest" and shower before Belfast. There is a rumour that you only went so quick because the happy hour beer was running out.
If you have any photos of what it was like in 48 knots please post them in the blog, we would love to see them. How has the boat held up to the battering?
Keep pushing to the finish line.
David (Steve's dad)
Hi Lee
ReplyDeleteYou got to make a report at last,Ron11 has really skipped along ETA 5th August WOW!! A great finish well done to you all,take lots of pictures for us, and enjoy every minute of the celebrations. It will be wonderfulto have you all home safe & sound.
Love you, God Bless Nan & Grandadxx
So you're wet - bit like living in Wales. If you go out to a posh event the choice of shoes is green wellies or black.
ReplyDeleteIt's getting so exciting WELL DONE keeping up the speed ,thinkin of you all in the next 24 hours.
Matthew - Casanova?? Questions will be asked when I next see you !!!
Grandma Wales
Stunning effort guys...true RSP!!
ReplyDeleteWinning tomorrow is the icing on that very wet cake. Legends the lot of you.
Bryn's mum and (a very jealous) dad
Congratulations to all of you on Leg 4. A fantastic result and clearly hard work!
ReplyDeleteWith Xsaar having a poor race for whatever reason we seem assured of overall 1st Place in Class C/D, as well as your leg!
Well done and enjoy the rest of your trip.
Regards,
Bill Jermey