Pedal to the Medal
21 July 2007 | 22 14.916n; 146 44.227w
Jim
So last night we got after it. We gybed into every squall we could find and then looked for the next one. The squalls last anywhere from a few minutes to 15. The winds can pick-up dramatically and so can the rain. But we are on a mission to catch Tower and add to our lead on a few boats chasing us. Sleep was not possible for the crew as we ferociously drove the boat into the black hole.
This morning we find ourselves 2nd to Tower. They are a much better suited boat to the current conditions; high winds and big waves for surfing. Their boat likely surfs up to 20 mph or more while we hit a more stately 15. We are both headed for Diamond Head, they from the North, us from the South. Both of our tactical options are running out as we approach the finish. I's going to come down to; 1. Can we plot a smarter course through the channel to Diamond Head and 2. our boat handling will need to be better. It's going to get interesting the next few days, will brains and skill beat boat speed?
Last night our man Ty was drilled right in the ear by a flying fish. I'm not sure who was more surprised, Ty having been smacked hard or the fish for landing on the only thing that smelled worse than him.
Current situation;
Red Bull: Gone
Coffee: Limited
Chocolate: Gone
No stimulants is a bad thing for this crew.
Beer: yeah right
Sleep situation: 1 hour last night (maybe) Accelerator pedal: fire walled
Arrival: Monday late
Post arrival: Kiss wife and kids, mai tai, mai tai, mai tai, kiss wife and put kids to bed, shower, brush teeth, kiss wife?
Aloha!
Jim