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Down but not out

Today was without question the toughest day for me personally. The course was set back in the Swedish Archielago and involved six checkpoints, scattered about hidden in small beaches and narrow gullies.

We got off well and by the third checkpoint we were up to 4th and going fast. We were sailing downwind in the gusty conditions following Will Sunnucks and Eric Proust when suddenly a rock appeared under the water and we smashed both daggerboards.

Ryan was flung around the forestay slamming his knee against the hull. The boat survived but both daggerboards were in pieces. We carried on to wards the next checkpoint and tried to tape the flailing carbon skins together to effect a repair.

We arrived at the finish in 9th andset about relaminating one of the boards. We only had a two hour pitstop, to eat, rest and rebuild the boards.

I was ony knees, tired, hungry and feeling like the race was beating me. It’s un- understatement to say this race is hard. Everything aches, hands are covered in blisters, arms and legs are stiff and you a contantly feeling like you need more calories.

With no rest your off again for another 100 mile leg. Somehow you dig deep enough to find the strength. Ryan and I have eaten 5000 calories today and still need more food

And sleep…..

Final day tomorrow back to Stockholm. A top ten finish is on the cards, assuming we get through the day without hitting another rock at high speed.

Cheers
Conrad

Leg position: 9th
Top Speed: 22knts
Blue Miles covered: 100+

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