We are now approaching zero deg longitude

Dear Family and Friends,


Sorry for the late update today. We are now approaching zero deg longitude and we are moving our time to "ships time" which is currently around GMT - 2 hours ahead of SA time.


The last 24 hours have been good sailing with relatively calm seas. However this has required sail changes and constant attention to ensure maximum speed - an incredibly busy day. We removed our mysterious code zero sail (I shall have to figure out a good reason for the name code zero) and hoisted one of our spinnakers. In the pictures, this looks fantastic. On board this sail requires constant attention on a second by second basis. So those on watch are now fully engaged. Tonight could be a tough night! Did I say that I am looking forward to going to bed in real pajamas rather than Oilies, boots and safety harness.


Bushy started us off with bacon and eggs this morning - and it's not even Sunday! A great start to the day. However I do need to elaborate on an earlier Bushy happening...
We have now heard that the start of this Cape to Rio was one of the toughest in many years - maybe that makes us newbies feel a little less down about the first few days. Bushy was the first to be taken out by sea-sickness within eight hours of Cape Town. This stayed with him for another two days during which time he could be found lying down on whatever sail sack offered respite. On the second night he awoke convinced that he could well be dead as he could smell himself rotting! Fortunately (??) he had laid his head down on the cabbages we were due to eat that day and the smell was from the cabbages rather than himself! We saw the funny side - he could see nothing humorous at the time

In my previous note I indicated Rex has preoccupied himself with resolving our water maker problems - and I suspect I was not so respectful in my comments (he is my friend after all - this may be up for review when we get to Rio). Note this is not a trivial issue. We resolved we need to assume this would not be working so this required salt water showers at the back of the boat. I wish I could share pictures but luckily our bandwidth limit does not allow this. Gareth advises if you dry rapidly after your wash, the salt will not be so noticeable on your body. Will report on this tomorrow...


Late this afternoon our key RR team (including Rex, Gareth and Bushy this time) developed a "bubble box" for our water maker - so it is now working. Yes! We can shower again! The water maker was apparently not getting a bubble free supply of water from the inlet under the boat. This bubble box is a modified jerry can which allows the salt water into the can and which the water maker now uses as its bubble free water source. I am personally not sure if I prefer the contortionist maneuvering required for a fresh water shower to the freedom of the salt shower. Basically any activities in that cramped toilet are taken on with a combination of agility (lacking in some of us) and trepidation.


Food remains a highlight of the journey and Shin is determined to provide us some Sushi. So Shin and Gareth put out a fishing line this afternoon - no bites as yet. It will be interesting if we catch anything while sailing at 10 knots (18 kph).


Many thanks to both family and friends for all the good wishes - this is reported back to the team and is highly appreciated.


Tomorrow we shall discuss the concept of an "Off Button" - but that's for tomorrow.
Love to our families - we miss you all. And best wishes to all our friends.


Regards Mike on behalf of Team Rocket/Stop Rhino Poaching