Sunday, July 22, 2012

Day 5 Morning from Al (and Graeme and Nick)

Good morning, busy night on Kotuku, we went to the S4 (Savai's kite, 1.5 oz symmetrical) at midnight as the winds built to 25 knots and carried it until the wind lightened this morning and now we are back to the A2(.75 oz asymmetric).  Had a couple of heavy rain showers along with the wind and a thick cloud cover so it was dark.  Winds appear to be filling in across the race course so our southerly position probably doesn't hold much of an advantage anymore.  The crew is so full they opted for no mid rats last night so food is not a problem out here.  A

We are seeing a fair amount of flotsam, but it is mostly the sort of thing you would expect--plastic bottles, styrofoam, a cocktail glass encrusted with gooseneck barnacles.  Fishing opportunities have been a little sparse, but we have moved from the blue and white jig to a red feathered "tuna candy."  Maybe today is sushi day...we'll keep you posted.  G


And we thought they had racing on their minds...
Nick here again. A little more action for me as we have finally gotten to do some sail changes. The breeze filling in over the last day and a half has raised everyone's spirits. It has been fun charging along with the big kites up. At night, it is a little disorienting since there has been no moon out. To give you an idea, try running around in your closet with the lights off. Everyone seems to be getting a hang of it though. Got to take the camera with me up the mast the other day and got some nice panorama shots. The video collection is coming along pretty well. My only disappointment thus far in the race is missing second helpings on the Salmon Queso on day three. I guess things are going pretty well out here.


Janna here. Wanted to say thank you for all the comments and support. FYI, they're not allowed to receive any "outside assistance" so we can't give them information from the tracker, the positions of other boats, advice on where to sail, etc. (Though I appreciate the sentiment of trying to help!) But all "Go Kotukus" get passed on and Al says those are much enjoyed.


I think they'd also really enjoy some sushi!


Keep on trackin'!
-Janna
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6 comments:

  1. DebJuly 22, 2012 at 10:36 AM

    Sounds like you are all well. So great to hear from you, Nick! Can't WAIT to see those videos. We are thinking that Matt needs to write a cookbook. Bestseller for sailors AND others - yum! We are cheering you on with each "refresh" of the tracker, and in between. How is Emily doing hanging out with all you guys for so long?! Hugs and good thoughts to all. GO KOTUKU!!! You're doing awesome - keep it up!

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  2. AnonymousJuly 22, 2012 at 11:31 AM

    Yes I agree on the cook book! Alex I hope you share pics videos and recipes with us! Jerry and I love to track you and read the blogs. We are cheering you all on KOTUKU! How fun! Jerry and the Bugge's

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  3. KeithJuly 22, 2012 at 3:06 PM

    Go Kotuku!

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  4. Steve O'BanionJuly 22, 2012 at 3:19 PM

    Steve O'Banion here,
    Thinking of Kotuku and crew over an appetizer of tempura calamari...not
    quite the same as fresh caught tuna...I suggest a a longer leader and a pinch off your
    tea leaf. :>) It's totally great to read your daily updates. Keep sailing fast!
    All the best,
    O'Banion
    Cork, Ireland

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  5. SamJuly 22, 2012 at 3:54 PM

    Nick! Love hearing these stories and updates, so glad to hear things have been going so well so far (knock on wood!) Without giving away any details, just know you guys are doing awesome! Tell the crew that I've been trying to get as many people as possible cheering for you guys and watching you on the tracker - go Kotuku!! Much love - Sam (and Stephen too)

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  6. Brian VierraJuly 22, 2012 at 6:48 PM

    Oi, just got back from summer travels and saw all this racing to Hawaii, sailboat stuff. Good luck gentlemen and may the winds bring you smoothly into the Sandwich Islands. I was just there a week ago. The weather was fantastic.

    Brian

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