Well we're off again and it seems like ages since we have been at sea. Everyone is settling back into the rhythm including new crewmember, Ian Budgen, as well as Tom (Tom Braidwood/AUS) and Ian (Ian Moore/IRL) back from a leg off.
It is already very clear this will be a tough leg for us. To date we have relied on strong downwind sailing and strategic and tactical decisions to keep us in the frame and this leg looks like a bit of a soldiers’ course right now, with everyone having to follow each other in their tracks.
Tacking off would be suicidal with the impending right hand shift. Many tactical options have been eliminated by the race officers’ decision to put in a new waypoint to keep the boats closer to shore when some expected strong winds come in later this week. This may turn out to be an inspired decision, but right now, it is an irritation. Maybe we do need saving from ourselves in this way!
Despite currently bringing up the rear of the pack, spirit is good onboard. The great thing with sailing is you never know what will happen next so we plan to keep as close as we can, stay alert and wait for any opportunities to open up.
About three hours ago, we passed a wooded, tropical island surrounded by a beautiful sandy beach. It did cross my mind to drop anchor and explore and the locals in canoes seemed pretty friendly. It wouldn't have been too professional, so maybe I will have to come back here cruising one day! It was called Pulau Midai for any geography buffs out there. That’s about it from the Green Dragon - I'm off to have seconds of freeze dried chicken teriyaki - its not bad at all and after losing a lot of weight following an illness I picked up in India I need feeding up a bit.
Ian Walker - skipper
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