Azores to Gib

Hello , first I want to say a big thanks to all our family and friends and those we have yet the pleasure of meeting for the well wishes and for checking in on us as we hop across the pond and a big thank you to Clay for sharing our world with the rest of you so we can finally dispense of the myth that our job is glamourous.

So, here are our vital stats:

Lat:36 08.0N

Lon: 05 21.3W

our time: 1405 east coast time: 0805

M&M’s consumed : 7 pounds of peanut, 2 pounds of plain…..yes, that’s in pounds

Sunday May 27

With our fuel tanks topped and the m&m jar no longer at threat level orange, we are underway. I would like to say we are well rested bc being good little kittens, we all stayed in last night. But, turns out, we were all most likely in a diesel fume induced coma from a small leak in the generator. Never fear, Yanir the engineer and token smarty pants got us back on track. Next on our list of chores, Keewaydin needed a bath so we donned our boat issued, hunter green speedos and scrubbed away.

Monday May 28

Though Pat, Clay and Dave made an impressive campaign of how to pass the time in the Azores, their idea of the other boats launching their lazers for a regatta was not received with as much enthusiasm. However, they did manage a friendly waiver with the S/Y Parisio as to who can get docklines on and refueled first when we hit Gibralter. Our bridge log now includes not only RPM’s and exhaust temps but DTP (distance to Parisio).

Tuesday May 29

The chute is up and Parisio overtakes us…but at least we look cool. Plus, there is an unstated but understood fishing clause in the rulebook, article 4, paragraph 3, page 1, that reads “All race activity is secondary to the cry of FISH ON!” Clay had an Albacore and a Big EYE that put up a heck of a fight but allowed our nemesis to take the lead. So in true sporting manner, we saluted them with our cannon as they passed within 50 yards of our starboard beam. It still amazes me that out here in the Atlantic we are waving at people we know.

Wednesday May 30

“Looks like someone’s having a case of the Monday’s”….with the exception of Clay and myself so we made our own mocktails of Fanta, ginerale and lemonade and pondered who Dr. McDreamy was going to pick. On a side note, SOME people are not putting their mugs away..but nobody likes a tattle tale.

Thursday May 31

After a week of preparation, the highly anticipated “Fly your Freak Flag Day” has begun. We all channeled our artistic inner beings and created our own personal flag and anthem to share with the rest of the crew. A great effort was made by all but Leahs own interpretation of "FreeBird" really moved us. And then the race was one as our radar screen lit up like an Irishman at happy hour and we slowly pushed our way into the traffic scheme among the "big boys" (1000ft tanker).

Friday June 1

Nothing has been quite as cool as this morning, sailing through the straits with Africa to the right and Spain to the left with the rock up ahead and a pod of whales and dolphins escorting us in. We all agree that we really miss our cubicles.