Captain's Log

September 20, 2002

Hello all,
 
I though I would send an email to provide a glimpse into what is happening out here.........
 
" A lovely day for a sail, but not a race. Last night the wind was light out of the NE and BTC Velocity was moving along at a slow pace at around 6 kts, then it got worse. Someone built a parking lot right infront of me and I picked a spot and sat for about 5 hours from 1:15 a.m. until 6:00 a.m. No pay and display, no meter maids, but definitely a parking lot. I had to take the sails down as the constant slatting, banging and jerking of ropes and hardware was too much for the boat and me. You might think that I would take the time to sleep, but there is little that is more difficult, in a race, than no wind and watching you competitors in different conditions sailing away. So with one eye on the instruments and the wake up time set every 30 mins, I dozed.
 
This morning was a little better but the only wind available has me headed north west when I need to head ENE. After a competitive first few days when at one point I was in second place, I have slipped to 5th. Oh well, my goal has never been to win, just not come last, so I am on track for that !!
 
Looking on the positive side......last night there was a beautiful almost full moon rise in the East with a sunset in the West. Never more gorgeous, than at sea with nothing in between but you and your boat. That was just after the dolphins came by an occurrence that happens often at sunset and sunrise, I think they are checking in on me.
 
Thank you Bermuda for all support and kind notes and emails. My wife Becky has been passing them on and they are very encouraging when you are out here, alone. "