I am about 100 miles from the equator, trying to work my way north in very light conditions. There are lots of squalls, and I just wish I could hook onto one and get a good run for a few hours. I was hoping for a mild visit with the doldrums, but that does not seem to be the case. I’m nervous to see where I “pop-out” of stealth mode, and where Derek is when he comes out. I am not totally parked, but it is VERY slow and I am tired. I am hoping that at 2 degrees north or so I may be clear of the doldrums and be able to pick up the trade winds… if they exist. This leg is proving trickier than I anticipated and Derek is not letting up at all. My rival and friend obviously really wants to see me off his transom.
I do think the speed gate points may be important to Derek, considering the results of the last ocean sprint. I have sacrificed the speed gate and am completely focused on my routing to Charleston. I am pretty certain I will not win the speed gate this time around, because my mission is not looking at the next 1000 miles, but the next 3000 miles.
I love the fact that Derek is so engaged and competitive this leg. It is nice to be in a tight boat race. It is nice to be in a tight boat race with Derek. He is focused and I am doing the best I can, but I don’t even know where he is!!! Stealth mode is making this all very interesting. I do find it very hard to be in the lead. It feels like I am being hunted down. I’d rather be the predator than the prey, but here I am. The next 24 hours should prove to be interesting. Thanks for checking in.
Cheers,
Brad
