We've certainly arrived in the advertised downwind run. For the last 24 plus hours we've been running downwind with the spinnaker up, in about 15kts true and 2 meter seas. In these conditions Lightspeed is just on the edge of breaking loose and surfing, and with focused driving we've been seeing a lot of 10s, 11s, 12s, and higher. Night driving is still difficult, but we have started switching to the 1.5 oz spin at night. This heavier sail is a bit more forgiving, as well as mentally it's much easier to drive to, as Paul has assured us that we will not be competitive if we manage to destroy the new .75 oz this early in the race.
We are adjusting our watch schedule at night so as to put the more experienced drivers on at night. Much easier in the day.
In other exciting news, Kotuku is on the horizon behind us, having made some gains throughout the night. They are leading their class (as are we as far as I know right now), and it's really cool to see a familiar boat, and hear familiar voices on the VHF out here, about a 1000 miles from land.
They are following our line almost exactly, so hopefully we will get some great pics as they sail by later today or this evening.
One problem with Lightspeed's design is that there is practically no bilge at all, so when water gets in the boat, it is above the floorboards, making life unpleasant. Found a leak today coming from one of the aft bilge pump exits through the hull. Spending some quality time in a stern locker tightening hose clamps while surfing down waves is not a good time. Spent some more quality time sponging the bilge, and it appears to be an improvement.
Now is the time of the day where we wait for the 10am roll call and position report, which will let us know how the last 24 hours played out for us against our fleet. Hard waiting, as we feel like we pushed hard all night, had a great days run of 195nm, and hope we continue to hold on to our small lead.
Today is day 7 of the trip, and while we are still a few hundred miles short of the mileage halfway point, we are optimistic that we are at least half way in terms of days sailing.
N 31 06, W 137 44
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