From what we as onshore crew can interpret from the updates provided by Clipper, the first 19 days must have already been a magnificent experience. After a fantastic sendoff from St. Katherine’s Docks in London, including the pass under the Tower Bridge and avid cheering from the team’s personal spectator boat, the official race start off the English coast at Southend kicked off in pouring rain. Nevertheless, Henrik’s team (PSP Logistics) made good progress diving into the English Channel, still closely sailing with the competing yachts.
“The winds have been very favourable so far allowing us to fly our kite almost as far as Dover. We are currently crossing the Channel towards Casquets, spirits are high, the racing is close and the PSP Logistics crew have just finished their first night at sea. After all the weekend’s excitement it was nice to be on the boat and sailing again. To top it off the weather has been glorious, allowing the crew to find their sea legs and for us to cover some ground.“ Max Stunell, Day 1&3 Skipper Report
When passing through the Canary Islands and later also through the Cap Verde Islands, the crew suddenly realised the availability of mobile coverage. As a result, the onshore crew was surprised by a quick call by Henrik himself! He told us that the last weeks have been very exciting and fun and the crew members, all from different backgrounds and age groups, have bonded very well. On average, he spends two hours per day as helmsman (steering the boat), which apparently can get quite tricky at night with limited vision but is a fantastic experience.
The following are updates from the crew diaries (explained in blog post #8), which gives a good impression of the life on CV22-PSP Logistics.
“Life aboard dear reader is never dull, with the vagaries of the weather promising stunning sunsets one moment and the prospect of fresher winds to come. Many are the characters on-board who in their own way contribute to our entertainment. These vary from Tanja Thumm’s Thai Chi classes to midnight tales from circumnavigator Sean Wilson our Fireman/Paramedic on his escapades with calls to rescue errant cats to mollifying drunken women. Wildlife visits have increased now, with several appearances on deck of a small wren like birds. Flying fish and squid appear on deck and today too dolphins have all enthralled us. Pierre Luigi our fisherman has been so far unsuccessful but he seems determined as we look forward to some tuna en route perhaps.”
John Pridham, Day 13 Crew Diary
“For the past few nights we have been bombarded by flying fish and the deck has become a perilous place to be during the first few hours after sunset. They hit the rigging, sails, sides of the boat and - not infrequently - crew members. Closing speeds can be up to 20 knots and these slippery, solid, sardine-like missiles can be up to a foot long. In the cockpit they are a painful and tiresome irritation albeit an amusing one when they assault someone else while at the helm they are potentially quite dangerous.”
Martin Brown, Day 18 Crew Diary
“The next morning brought us more sunshine, fair winds and a music on the speaker. The temperature below deck is now above 30C and close to that on deck however the sea breeze cools us down a bit. We have been able to see Cape Verde islands and it felt tempting mid way through our voyage across the ocean to be able to stop for a bit of respite and a cold beer - this will have to wait until we reach Rio. For now crack on and push on - Caipirinhas on Copacabana beach await.”
Pawel Kepa, Day 16 Crew Diary
You have certainly deserved those Caipirinhas upon arrival in Brazil.
Keep safe & enjoy! Go PSP!
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