Halfway news

All right the decorations are up, the sole is swept and wiped down, the head is refreshed with its own wash down, disinfectant and coconut air freshener.  Emily in her white feather boa (we hope that is who it was for)is baking cookies (I thought this was a race boat)and we are ready for the last 950 miles.  We have a reindeer taped to the pedestal with with smile banner around her neck.  One of kind color drawings by Talia and Savai on the bulkheads, an Aloha banner from the mast to the portside lockers.  We had poppers and rocket poppers and squirt guns and a beachball.  Got candy and crackers and smoked herring.  A yodeling pickle (yes) and Mr T.  But best of all those special notes, wishes, good luck charms from friends, family and lovers. (Thanks Lou, love, Al) That is some bird, cheers from Kotuku. Flash, late this afternoon Graeme set the new speed record of 18.0 knots (true) and he said okay we are taking down the sails now while he is ahead (not true).  We spent all last night and today under the S4 heavy 1.5 oz. kite in winds from 20-30 knots plus.  A little bit more than forecast but Kotuku is trucking along.  Al