Day 3 Evening from Al (and Alex)

Fear the Horns!
Greetings, we swapped out the trusty A2 kite for the A3 after lunch as the winds continue to move in a more northerly direction, now almost due north.  The new A3 was made by Ballard Sails own Alex(yes, our Alex)and Joe.  Thanks guys.  Saw a magnificent green glass ball (Japanese fishing float) roughly 12" in diameter with netting still attached go right by the port side today.  Started grabbing for the fishing net but things happened too fast at 7 knots. It was tempting for this sailor to turn around and go back since in three previous Seattle, SF, Hawaii round trips that was only the second one I have seen.  Probably a good thing in the end though as there was so much growth on the bottom of it it would have cost us the net almost for sure.  The crew might have thrown me in after it as well since we are supposed to be racing.  The bats had a very good morning setting a new four hour distance standard of 30.4 miles, so Graeme is feeling a lot better.  The sharks were dealt a couple of light spots that hurt them.  Happy hour appetizers of fresh (almost) baguette slices with olive tapenade and a slice of parmesan cheese.  Cheesy salmon s**t on the menu for this evening.  Saw one car ship from afar and a few black footed albatrosses but nothing else of consequence.  Good night , Al

It has been a pleasure sailing with everyone on board. By Day 3 we have seemed to settle into a nice rhythm of trimming,`driving, cooking, cleaning, and sleeping. Life on board is alright. Matt and Myself (Alex) stood our 1st afternoon watch in shorts today, a good sign for sure.
We have just deployed the stays'l and gained .5 kts of boat speed. We are trying hard to reel in Andromeda, the Big Swan 59. our Rabbit.
Dinner was awesome, and we are settling in for our evening watch. Looking forward to another productive night.
-Alex