Jamaica - a bold race strategy

I wrote earlier about the eventful first day of the race to Jamaica. Well what a race it turned out to be. Our skipper had taken a bold decision and we went a long way east before tacking to give us a straight run up to the north east tip of the country before turning west to do the last 50 miles to the line. We were in last position for some time before the benefits took hold. Gradually our position moved up the field until, in the last 12 hours or so, we had moved to third. We could see the leaders about 4 miles ahead and were clawing our way towards them. However we could not do any more but were thrilled to be third. First and second were separated by just 31 seconds after 3 days racing. Wow.

I was elated to be in 3rd. This was only the second time Switzerland had been on the podium since the start of the race in September. This was a tribute to the bravery of our skipper in developing the strategy and to the focus and hard work of the crew.

It is now a week later. We have deep cleaned the boat, an arduous task, and have spent a day on maintenance. I have taken the two compass towers to pieces to clean and grease the chains that link the helm wheels to the rudders. This was rather nerve wracking but I can report that both compasses read the same so we should go in the right direction which ever helm wheel we use (there are two helming wheels on Heidi).

We were then able to have a few days to rest and sightsee some of Jamaica. I can say that it can really rain here. We have arrived in one of the two wettest months. Never will I complain about rain at home. However, Jamaican rain is warm and you soon dry off.

Today we have been briefed on the race to New York and we start at pm on Saturday Some of the way will be difficult as winds will be fickle in some areas according to forecasts. We will be sailing both up and downwind so different skills will be needed and many sail changes are expected.

Oh and yes, its goodbye to a lovely bed for up to 10 days. Arrival in New York will be between May 30th and June1st

Goodbye from Jamaica.