Magic nights

Introduction

23.11.09 - Sam's Blog from Artemis

Morning!

Another warm night, dodging huge squalls in the trade winds.... in fact we got away squall-less until just before dawn when we came under attack by an hot-and-bothererd angry 30-knot-er!!!

All is well and under control again..... now we need to negotiate the shifts and finalise the plan for our entry to the Caribbean.

Hungry and tired as usual!!! But very very happy to be out here having fun!!! Even if the "catch-up" plan is being foiled by a "rich get richer" scenario.

More news later

Sam x

Good morning from on board Artemis

I have just had a GREAT night's sailing.

The trade winds are rocketing Artemis towards the Caribbean and the fast and sometimes furious downiwind sailing is exhilarating.

I love the nights at sea, and last night was just magic.

Not long after I took over the helm, my faithful nightly 30-knot squall popped up behind me and started reeling us in. So, to be safe, I woke Sidney for moral support and "just in case" action required. this is the beauty of double-handed sailing (and sailing double-handed with someone as experienced and skilled as Sidney) - you have that security of the other person with you. Anyway, with Sidney standing next to me, no 30-knot squall can scare me, not even when there are nearly 500m2 of spinnaker up!!! And so Artemis whizzed along, albeit with the helsmwoman's knuckles a little bit white!!! Bring it on....

Once the squall passed, we were back to 20-25 knots windspeed, and 20knots boatspeed, and Sidney back in his bunk I was alone, with the beauty of the night and the power of Artemis all to myself - what amazing luxury! It was an "i-pod" moment and so out came all the great "sing-along to" songs, and Artemis must have wondered what was going on with a crazy girl at the helm singing Abba at the top of her voice! And Queen, Michael Jackson.... the list goes on. "Rock the boat and keep on grooving" I hope Sidney was really asleep and didn't hear!

So, anyway, it is moments like these that are so magical, and we are priveledged to be able to experience them. It brings the race into context and helps make up for the disappointement of our place in the results. Because, finally, we are simply lucky to be here and we're making the most of it.

Wish you could all have a go to see how amazing it is! Bon journee! Sam x