Captain's Log

November 15, 2002

Hello all,
 
Well the last three days since BTC Velocity escaped the grips of the Doldrums have been difficult, yet have been productive. With daily runs of 169, 171 and 179 nm we are headed south and at acceptable speeds, especially if you compare the recent mileages from the exasperating Doldrums. With this increase in speed has come a fairly high level of discomfort for boat and crew. The sea state has steadily built and we have been hard on the wind, ' bashin and crashin ' off what seems like every wave. Even relatively simple actions take on new levels of co ordinating and attention so as not to get thrown about the cabin or on deck. As I read from the others we are all having similar experiences in these the SE Trades. Looks like the wind will be backing some this evening and this will allow some easing of the sheets and some leveling of our world.
 
Being a relatively narrow boat by Open Class design standards, BTC Velocity sit comfortably, by boat design not human comfort, at 25 degrees of heel and powers into and through the seas. Being on deck is to constantly covered by salt spray, no more evening of sitting with a cup of tea watching the sum go down. The tea would be very salty, quite quickly.
 
In the next few days decisions will have to be made as to the tactics for the South Atlantic High. The picture is by no means clear yet, but we are all looking for a way to cut the corner and get away with it. A dicey time indeed. The right call and days can be saved, the wrong equals days lost. There are 3 groups of us and we will all have potentially different scenarios. I have been slowly hunting down John Dennis and at 6:00 a.m. this morning finally passed him with one mile lead. I expect this will change back and forth as we sail south. It makes racing fun when you are in close touch with a competitor.
 
Regards,
Alan
BTC Velocity