© Rich Edwards/Volvo Ocean Race
It has been a very hectic 24 hours..
Yesterday we ran through a massive thunderstorm, with a huge amount of lightning. The stable breeze instantly changed and before we knew it we were becalmed. Then a huge lightning strike hit, so close the sparks were flying off the mast and runners.
Rome, who was driving, was laying flat on the deck, just from the shock of the massive sound as well.
Luckily no electronics got blown out. Of course there was plenty of rain as well. It makes you wonder what happens with all the electricity going through the boat and you are standing there barefoot and some with bare chest… Carbon is very good at leading electricity through. But we all survived:-)
Of course you are always worried when you park up, and wondering how did the others cope with it, did they park up as well or did they keep going?
As it turned out the leaders were also slow, but Scallywag missed everything and made a massive gain…
We have the feeling that we are sailing well and that shows as well in the reports. We just have to keep chipping away. 30 miles to the leader is a lot, but we know all is possible.
It is always remarkable that seeing land always has an extra positive effect on everybody. For one it might be the snow white beaches, for another one seeing the green forest and maybe even for some knowing that you are not by yourself out here ;-)
One big downside with seeing land is that it results straight away in plenty of rubbish in the water, from plastic bottles, bags to big fishing nets and wooden crates. Not funny at all !
Cheers,
Bouwe
