I’ve spent a great deal of time the last two weeks comparing weather models and strategically investing in owning the left side of the course. Unfortunately, the reasons I wanted to own it are not panning out. It is frustrating as I would like to have greater lead right now and I fear the weather is going to get really light and inconsistent. The bottom line is I have less wind than was forecast and they have more. So Derek is kicking my butt. While Chris is kicking Derek’s butt. It should all get very interesting as we make our way north. I have been doing a huge amount of sail changes to keep Le Pingouin moving and the girl is holding up well. I have the big gennaker and the main up right now and it is a bit scary. I am powered up and need to be careful. As much as I REALLY want to win this leg 4 ocean sprint into my home town of Charleston, I can’t compromise my race by pushing so hard that I break the boat.
I do think you are looking at two lucky dogs to my right. They both wanted the speed gate points and pushed hard to get them, while I disregarded the speed gate and focused on my positioning to get the best possible weather to reach Charleston first. As it turns out Derek and Chris have instead had better wind patterns for the last 24 hours, and I believe will continue to have better weather for the next 24 as well. We will see what I get handed, but right now I am not very happy about it. I am hoping as we reach up by the Bahamas the weather is not as quirky as it can be.
Congrats to Derek on winning the speed gate and my heart goes out to Gutek with broken ribs and a broken forestay in Brazil. Thanks for checking in and I look forward to seeing everyone in Charleston soon!
Cheers,
Brad
Brad, keep safe, keep winning and we will have a blow-out in Charleston any way the wind Gods treat you. Carl
ReplyDeleteBrad, you have done great so far. Trust your instincts as before and continue to do your best. We're all very proud and rooting for you here in SCarolina! Vernon Weathers
ReplyDeleteBrad, Nelson & I are wishing you good winds from the right direction. Having lunch with Meaghan today! Suzi
ReplyDeleteHey there Brad---here's hoping that the winds will pick up for you soon! You're awesome and we're pulling for you! We look forward to catching a glimpse of you when you land in Charleston!---Jackie & Ed
ReplyDeleteGrump's email to Brad, CSM & Derek entitled: "In the words of Dr. Seuss - 'Only you control your future'"
ReplyDelete"Gentlemen:
FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION!
Eco sustainability? How prophetic was Dr. Seuss?
... "No more trees. No more Thneeds. No more work to be done.
So, in no time, my uncles and aunts, every one,
all waved me good-bye. They jumped into my cars
and drove away under the smoke-smuggered stars.
Now all that was left 'neath the bad smelling-sky
was my big empty factory...
the Lorax...
and I.
The Lorax said nothing. Just gave me a glance...
just gave me a very sad, sad backward glance...
as he lifted himself by the seat of his pants.
And I'll never forget the grim look on his face
when he heisted himself and took leave of this place,
through a hole in the smog, without leaving a trace.
And all that the Lorax left here in this mess
was a small pile of rocks, with one word...
"UNLESS."
Whatever that meant, well, I just couldn't guess."
!!!"UNLESS"!!!
Grump
PS: http://csc.gallaudet.edu.edu/soarhigh/lorax.htm"
Let's go Brad! Fight hard! The good winds are coming for you! You can't get down your flag in your own sea and in front of your land. Less with british dogs or similar. Do you need inspiration? Remember the U.S.S. Constitution times. Remember too your own blood that I suppose as my own is from Nederland.
ReplyDeleteRicardo from Argentina.
Hold on to those trades as long as you can!!! Maybe they can get you to the gulf stream first, and then your home free!
ReplyDelete