Written by Sarah, trainee:

One would think 10 days into sailing the North Atlantic, that we would all have our personal baseballs and be firing them at some random wall a la 'Cooler King' in The Great Escape. Not so. There are moments when one needs time out - shower, sleep, bare necessities - or maybe an hour to read and catch up on one's journal. But days seem to be filled with sail, sustenance and ship management.

The elements are our master. At 8am this morning the wind picked up suddenly which meant all hands on deck to reef the main and mizzen sails - even those who had just come off watch. Sail adjustment continued throughout the day and we just finished a short time ago putting up the main and mizzen top sails with the most beautiful sunset as a backdrop and the moon rising over the water.

The simple things are definitely to the fore - whales, dolphins, jelly fish and even the glowing algae which ignites the water at night are a daily occurrence though no less exciting or intriguing for their frequency. Delicious curries and salads courtesy of our talented chef Jet (Tecla recipe book to follow - hopefully!). Jannette's freshly baked cinnamon and raisin bread (yum yum). 'Boga' (aka boat yoga)to stretch out aching limbs. But who could forget the 'craic' - the fun and laughter on board as the crew really starts to work together and communicate with each other.

Something alchemical is happening on this beautiful ship, and although thoughts of family and friends drift towards home we still have half an ocean to cross and the excitement of the competition!

Until tomorrow. Just off to do a bit of stargazing.

P-)
(pirate smiley)

Sarah