First day over and done with!

Well, we are well and truly into this race now! And what a contrast today is to this time yesterday. Race start day was probably one of the most social days of my life, with family, loved ones, friends and my super sponsors bluQube all there to add to the volume. Today, it's just me, and two yachts that I can see on the horizon. It*s kinda frustrating to not know who they are!

The weather was as expected. On board bluQube I changed the Solent just after dark, and in good time too as the consistent 14knot breeze turned swiftly into 22knots. AS the wind increased further, at 0200 it was time to put in a reef too. We are expecting an even stronger gale tonight, with winds up to 35knots so we might even see a reef in the Solent foresail during the night.

I am not my normal ravenous self at the moment. Food times are typically the pivotal points of my day, but I think a mixture of high emotions, tension and potentially even the rough sea state have added to the lack of wanting to eat. It's nothing to do with the shopping on board!

There were a few moments last night as the wind built, involving quantities of water into my oilies or into my face. Now is a bad time to back track against my anti spray hood stance, I'm just happy my Henri Lloyds are keeping me so dry and warm.

I managed a couple of short naps last night, and a couple more this morning. I always feel happier sleeping in the day, even though it is naturally easier at night. For some reason I am more confident of being seen in the daylight , although once in the Atlantic I intend to unleash my Lopolight masthead strobe on the earth then I can feel happy sleeping whenever!!

Anyway,time to think about battening down the hatches.

Katie

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