Week 22

Brittany Ricca Year 6

Do you think the whale that you hit survived?

I hope so. My goal in sailing around the world was not to go around bashing whales. This was a very unfortunate incident. Perhaps you could call the Biological Station and ask that question. They will have a good idea on how tough whales are. Fred Lipshultz is a good contact there I believe.

Alexis Stovell Year 6

Did you learn any important lessons from your encounter with the whale?

Yes, that there is a real need for the Marine Industry to develop a piece of electronic equipment that alerts whales and other large ocean creatures such as the Sunfish that something is coming their way. I have every intention of following up on this when I reach land.

After School Programme

Cholae

Did you pick up any of the trash you saw?

No. It’s awfully dangerous to go leaning over the side of a boat when sailing solo, even if it’s for a good reason. Also a lot of the trash was off my direct course or I only saw it after passing.

Troyan

While sailing near Bermuda, did you experience any of the thunderstorms that we recently had?

Yes. The weather system that you had came in my direction about 18 hours later. It was a hum dinger, although the lightening was only one big bang in one isolated thunderstorm. The winds were quite strong though.

Natasia

Do you prefer regular food to freeze dried food?

Absolutely I prefer real food. After 194 days at sea eating freeze dried and pot noodles, I am looking forward to a nice juicy Hamburger and Fries!!

Bermuda Christian Academy

Are you able to see the coastline of North America?

Not until I reach about 12 nm from the coast. As you know the world is round, so objects in the distance disappear below the horizon after about 12 miles depending on their height and whether the sky is clear.

During any part of the race, have you ever been scared at night when you are asleep and have you ever had any nightmares?

Scared at night. No not really, although when changing sails or dealing with 'issues’ at night you have to be very careful as everything seems more difficult when the sun goes down. I have never had any nightmares, some bad dreams, but not really scary ones.

What is the latest update on your ribs?

Much better thank you. It took a full three weeks though until I began to feel close to 100 percent.

Have any problems occurred with your boat as a result of hitting the Whale?

I hope not. When I get to Newport I will pull the boat out of the water and look for damage around the keel. There is no visible damage on the inside of the boat.

How many miles left to travel now?

As of Saturday morning, I have 180 nm to go.

Are you really going to remember to come to our school when you return?

You bet, when does school break for the summer?

Thanks a million for thinking of us and sending us a post card from Salvador, Brazil!!

You are welcome.