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Monday, February 2, 2009

Sailing : Day 83 onboard Roxy in the Vendée Globe

Sam Davies’ daily log - Fish in the cup

“Hello everyone,

Roxy has already made it past 10°N, the conditions remain the same - bumpy and wet, but good wind and OK speed.

I have had to alter course to avoid ships today - the last one being just an hour ago. This is a risky business, as it involves being on deck to adjust course and sail trim. Being night time, we are continually under the attack by kamikaze flying fish, and each "THWACK" makes me wince in pain. Their closing speed with Roxy must be quite fast, and impact painful or even deadly.

Therefore, being on deck at night, I am at risk of getting a direct hit, and, having had several near misses, I can say that it is particularly unpleasant to receive a slimy, smelly flapping fish in ones face!

Luckily I got away untouched this time.

Unfortunately, though yesterday morning Roxy was a bit of a flying fish graveyard. The most disappointing find was that one flying fish had managed to get itself head-first into my tea-cup (which was sitting in a rope bag - a lazy way of doing the washing up!) So, no matter how much I cleaned my cup, I was certain that my morning tea had a slightly fishy taste to it – YUK.

That will teach me to do my washing up properly!

So right now I am keeping my fingers crossed that all is well on board Foncia. I hope Mich is enjoying his last hours alone at sea. Today is going to be a very special day in Les Sables d'Olonne. I'm a little bit sad to miss this great moment, but at the same time, the thought of being in Les Sables d'Olonne is quite strange, and I think I am happier out here. Luckily I still have quite a few days to prepare myself for our arrival!

Enjoy the party everyone!

Sam”

At 1100 UK time, Sam Davies aboard Roxy was in 5th position, 2,611 miles from race leader Michel Desjoyeaux aboard Foncia

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