All is okay out here. It is a bit of a sh*&^ fight right now but nothing dangerous I don’t think. Le Pingouin is hanging in there and I am just trying to go fast enough for the sea state and not too fast, as sliding off the waves sideways truly sucks if you’re going too slow, and jumping off them at 20+ knots boat speed also sucks. I talked to Derek today and he said he thought Gutek was misunderstood in his message about seeing 70 knots of wind. He thinks the intent was that he had the boat set up for 70 but that they only saw 40. They are in the eerie center of the low pressure system with very little wind, huge slamming seas and sunshine. I hate those moments, so hopefully I am far enough east to avoid that super slamming scenario. The storms in this part of the world come from the west typically and in some cases, like this one, from the north or north west. In any event, the boats to the west see the weather change first. Derek has been kind enough to stay in touch and keep me informed which is not necessary but very cool. I think part of the reason we have also been in touch is that no one likes to be alone in a foxhole. That is a supposition, never having been in a war myself, but I would imagine true.
Holding hands with LP,
Brad
Brad--thanks for the update, and it sounds pretty challenging and daunting to me. Please know that we are pulling for you and hoping that you and LP remain safe and OK. We are cheering you on! Your friend and huge fan, Jackie B.
ReplyDeletebrad, thanks for letting us know you're safe and the boat's OK. hope you get east of that slosh soon. geez.
ReplyDeleteBrad, love to read your blogs. And have watched every video/feed at least once and sometimes twice. Am following all four of you guys, but pulling for the USA and Le Pengouin. Have been in a foxhole for training only during Viet Nam war and fear you have the greater challenge and are fearlessly meeting it head on! Two thumbs up! Carlsails58
ReplyDeleteHi Brad. Congrats on your progress! We are Americans who sailed to NZ (the easier way) and are basing ourselves in Wellington. It would be great to meet you after you arrive (and catch up on sleep, showers, family etc!). Best of luck on your remaining days at sea,
ReplyDeleteSusanne Ames
s/v Cheshire
Brad,
ReplyDeleteHaving been in a foxhole in a kill zone, absolutly soldiers have to communicate with someone else sloggin through the same crap. It recharges the resiliency, focuses the mind. That is why watching Christophe struggle then (rightly) conceed was so tough. Getting through the gate was a great milestone. The pics make it look like a a bit of seat padding would help with the slamming progress you are making.
I'd say Semper FI but prehaps Semper Paratus is more appropriate.
Hi Brad ! We live in La Rochelle. We were on the start line on 17th October. Now we follow your race on Internet. Congrats for the first sprint. We really hope that you'll win the second an all the other until the last. We wait you on first in La Rochelle. We'll be there.
ReplyDeleteJulie & Jean-Michel from LR (France)
God speed your safe arrival in Wellington Brad, following your progress closely and living through your blog emails and video's is inspiring to all.
ReplyDeleteTake care,
Mike M.
Charleston is cheering for you brother. We can't wait to see you!
ReplyDelete