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Thursday, February 5, 2009

Sailing : Day 85 onboard Roxy in the Vendée Globe

Sam Davies’ daily log - Disaster as Roxy’s tea-making capacity is compromised

“Well, whilst Mich is busy celebrating his well-deserved victory (don't drink all the champagne - leave us some please!), the race continues for the rest of us out here!

For me and Roxy, it has been another wet and bumpy day of trade wind sailing. The wind is pretty unstable with between 12 and 24 knots, so most of the time is taken up easing the main in the gusts, then trimming back on a few minutes later in the lulls – I just HAVE to be at full speed all the time. I wish Roxy had a nice wide stern with a chine so that she could deal with a bit more mainsheet tension all the time. Oh well, at least the exercise is keeping me busy!

I had a serious gear failure today – my lovely Roxy kettle has broken! Just like the tea cup, its handle has fallen off. Luckily there was no boiling water in it at the time. Unlike the tea cup, the kettle cannot function without a handle, so the tools, drill and spectra lashing all came out. I have done an emergency repair, to be tested shortly when I make some dinner.

Anyway, for an English girl, my onboard tea drinking facilities are now in a shameful state. I hope the Queen doesn't find out!

S x”

At 1100 UK time, Sam Davies aboard Roxy was in 4th position, 2,418 miles from the finish line in Les Sables d’Olonne, France

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