July 10 & 11 updates from Andy

And a couple posts from Andy:

I believe from July 10 (though not sent until July 11):

It was a great day. Sunny and fast and fun. Lots of 8s and a couple 9s. After it got dark we decided there was too much wind and had our first "all hands on deck" moment. After putting a reef in the main, we were still going too fast and tried to roll the jib. There was a bit of a problem and it required me going onto the bow and screwing some stuff up some more. Anyways, it all got sorted out and we didn't lose much time. Pretty exciting and we learned some good lessons. It was like the movies and I think Andrew has some photos of green water breaking over my back.

During some of our down time I got to read this month's latitude. There is an entire write-up on the broken leg that we tried to help with in Maryland. It sounds like they could have used our help. You should definately check it out and forward it to the sailing crew. The boat's name was escapade and you will need to dowland the pdf of the July issue and search for Escapade.

Anyway, I'm off to bed.

From July 11:

They are still kicking ass here on Brainwaves. Another day knocking out 8-12s under genoa and main. 1st and 2nd are pulling away, but we are eating up miles on 3rd and pulling away from 5th. Nice place to be since several of the boats have won this several times before and both the 1st and 2nd have awesome ratings. They are good boats and good crew to race with.

We continue to debate when to fly the chute. I'm not afraid to say that I'm a little afraid to fly the chute. We are doing great, having fun, and going fast. I'm worried about screwing it up and going ass over teacups.

Things have gotten much wetter since the green water last night but we are almost ship shape again. We go the water out of the bilge, the clothing hanging, and are certainly back up to speed. I found some nice bruises and woke up with some sweet old man hands. Tonight we are having our half-way dinner. We are not half way for miles, but i think we are around there for time. Vietnamese food, spring rolls, some sort of "special" dessert, adn a bottle of wine.

Lots of chores this morning. Breakfast, dishes, bilge, dry sleeping bags, getting lunch and dinner ready (looking tasty), wetting the NOAA faxes. I was too busy that I missed my morning turn at the helm. On well, at 1600, I'm back on and will show them how to surf at 11.

We got some more quotes for people:

JimBo (at the helm): mumble mumble mumble mumble
Bob (at the navstation): what did dad say?
Andy (at the companionway): He says you're adopted.