Finally, the weekend is here! I had the feeling the great South wouldn't let us go without a souvenir. We'll soon cross the front but before that, we'll have 6-metre swell and wild conditions. Yes, wild, because the sails I had neatly stored on the deck tried to jump overboard, snatching their straps in the process. Huge waves made life on board very difficult and at one point, I even thougt the sails had damaged the helm. But they hadn't. What a relief!
I had no less than two sails that rolled out by themselves so it was tough to tidy things up after that, I had to sweat a lot out there. But all sails are accounted for, and that's what really matters.
Meawhile, I'm still waiting for the front and the switch to happen. I know the crazy surfs are for later. The sky is slowly becoming gray, but not a nice shade of gray. No, it's like army gray instead. Not that pretty, actually, or it could be from far away, but these clouds are actually getting closer and closer… ouch!
The adrenaline was really high when the boat started sailing rally really fast. I asked myself how she could hold on when crashing against a wave. And just to show support, I also fell down. I was drenched!
Then te wind got weaker but the sea was still extremely agitated. It was't easy either. I know, you're going to think I'm never satisfied… But I am now. It feels like the Caribbean, 20-25 knots of wind, nice weater, beautiful sea… But I had to go through the previous episode before reaching this.
© ARNAUD BOISSIERES / AKENA VERANDASI've been regularly putting cream on my hands because they're obviously having a tough time. I good hot coffee,which is such a treat, a great reward, really.
I still have some things to work on on board and then some good sleep, that's my schedule for the evening. I changed sails this morning and, since I missed the Live Web TV show interview this morning, as a bonus, I'm sending you a GREAT picture of Staten island.
Have a good weekend, I'll spend mine sailing, what about you? Football, horseriding, fencing or drinking?
Arnaud
