We are now in day 3 of the Race with day 4 to start at 1340h. Has been predominantly light winds with some up to 22 knots. Sea conditions fairly unremarkable. We have done about 450 nm. However in that time we have seen whales, dolphins, flying fish. The dolphins have been present at night as phosphorescent torpedo-like visions around Heartbeat IV – and during the day as leaping pods. We have had loss of three sails – A2, No 1 and No 2 – all of which have limited our light airs speed – although Chief Sail Repairer Nicola is working on a repair to the No 2. The sail damage is unfortunately going to limit the amount of catch-up we can do :(. We have loads of boats in sight and around us and our making slow and steady progress towards Bermuda. The 0400 to 0800 watch today was remarkable for a) the sight of two or three water spouts, b) the most massive range deluge any of us have seen at sea. We also had Spiderma Ash up the mast again to sort out a Code 0 problem. Watch systems are working well and mood aboard Heartbeat IV is good – although all wishing there was more 20 knot + winds in the forecast! Food as ever excellent supplied by Commander Blande and his team. Attached are some pics of the trip so far.
Will send some more pics of le deluge later.
