1 / 2 / 2011

POS: 23d 10.5'S, 27d 38.8'W

The first of February, an exciting day on board, spelling the approach to the end of an incredible race. With still a week to go (& some of the toughest weather conditions too possibly) there's still quit a bit in it. These days many of the boats have recently had of lolling around in the windless region seem to have been good for us. Sounds like we may have pulled some back on the field & taken a spot or two up. We don't know though since we've stop receiving position reports so if you know, comment & let us know!!

Had a little scare this morning when Diesel Derek headed off to the Heads to do the morning routine. Suddenly there was shouting and spluttering as one of the intake valves fell off & a jet of water started to stream into the boat! We've managed to fix it for now, McGiver style (packet of peanuts & paper clip and all that...) so hopefully she holds or we'll be sinking - toilet first!

Alex managed to through one of the umbrella poles over board yesterday, putting him in the lead for things lost to Neptune (dinner spoons, fishing lure & umbrella pole). Saths' finger has healed up well & things are going dandily, despite rather little wind.

We're down to about 880miles to Rio!! Hopefully we'll be in Saturday night/Sunday morning, so keep your eyes on the race!