So there was me thinking it would be 'all plain sailing' round the top of Scotland. However the past few days have been exciting and tough. We've had a few incidents on board, the other day the wind had started to build as a large low pressure system came over us, helming became increasingly difficult and when the other watch came back on, more pressure built up on the starboard wheel, then all of a sudden we heard a bang and saw that the cable that runs from the steering wheel to a drum that turns the rudder had completely snapped, the result... no steerage, but luckily the port helm was still working! The down side is that this wheel was on the low side and pushing on through the bad weather, we have been getting soaked as the low side is in the water a lot of the time! Another incident involved where the propeller shaft comes back inside the boat, this was leaking in a lot of water and consequently the water leaked into all the areas around the accommodation including where crew bags were kept and quite a few items of clothing got wet.
I have really enjoyed this race, it has been a different experience as a Watch Leader, Claire has been my assistant and I have also had the help of Stephen, Jack, Paddy and Richard on my watch. I know how the boat runs and how to do sail changes, but the new aspects have been; I have to keep checking the boat is performing to its best, that it has the right sail plan up and if circumstances change like the wind direction or speed, I then have to inform Matt. It can be lot of pressure at times but I have enjoyed the challenge.
Now I have six days in Holland, before the last race to London and the finish, so I will have sometime to reflect on the whole race for me so far, I will let you know my thoughts in a day or two!
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