the race is almost over with under 20 miles to go and good speed on this
last leg from lampedusa to malta... the race was slow, beating on all
legs but the one from malta to sicily and this last one... choppy seas,
strong and variable winds, issues with the water ballast (now resolved)
made for a much slower passage than anticipated. we hear over 20 of the
entrants have retired, which is no surprise as this must have made for a
much tougher race than many mediterranean sailors would normally bargain
for...
Two of five crew suffered from sea sickness, one has been incapacitated
since yesterday and hasnt managed to keep down any food in over 48
hours, i'm sure he's glad to know it's almost over.
As for me, race apart, i always suffer from a strange sadness when i'm
about to land, as the crew is starting to liven up and rejoice at the
thought of being on dry land i just feel like easing off the sheets and
carrying on a little more...
I hadnt sailed since the OSTAR, but i learnt my lesson by now, after
each race there is a port, followed by a chair in an office... no wonder
i'd carry on.
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