First Day At Sea

Wednesday morning saw Team Our Dianne celebrating their departure with Family and Friends. Memorable speeches, well wishes and the Blessing of the Fleet by Bishop Peter Storey ended with Erika Spilhaus playing a beautiful and evocative Scottish Air to an emotional audience. We were prileged to be allowed by his parents to dedicate our race to the memory of Tom Murray, who sailed on Our Dianne in the 2004 race.
Then the start. We were at the line early to suss it out and the crew placed Our Dianne bang on the line at the gun. By the first mark we were 200 metres ahead of the next yacht and at the second mark even further ahead. The spinnaker hoist was immaculate and off she charged.
The sail to Cape Point was iffy, with the wind all over the place. We rounded first, although Swimlion had motored into the distance, taking advantage of her cruising allowance. The fickle wind changed to a favourable westerly, going south west and then south. Off we charged along the coast and the loom of Cape Town and Table Mountain was soon fading over the horizon.
Now, after an exciting night at sea, we are surfing along at speeds up to 15 knots, averaging around ten.
So..........a weary (a couple a little seasick - Marc will communicate with his wife and baby when he is able to look at the screen without having to rush to the side) crew are really upbeat.The vibes are excellent, the food the best and the happy hours are looked forward to with a thirst.
We are in regular satphone communication with the people of St Helena through Mike Olsson of St FM and Nicole Peters, Commodore of St Helena Yacht Club and will soon also be communicating through St Helena Radio.
Hilights of the trip have been sailing within hailing distance of Banjo, up spinnaker!!!, and the bulk of Table Mountain silhouetted against the loom of the city lights receding in the distance and off we went. The rain on our heads did not put us off. Heavy gusts at 3am had us dropping spinnaker, poling out the #3 headsail and still doing 12 knots, careering through the whitecaps, no moon and lots of posphorescence like pooing green fairy fire crackers. We were flying like the Red Bull in our bellies. Sardines and coffee also kept us awake.
Thanks to our supporters, well wishersand our sponsors.
Team Our Dianne