1:40 PM Sun 21 Feb 2010 GMT
Cape Breton Island - Birthday Blog - by Phil Robertson - 10th February
My first birthday at sea, makes me feel young again - indeed the race seems to have had that effect on me, in honesty though I have entered the second year of my thirties.
How beautifully the day started, halfway through my two until six night watch the deed occurs to the sound of a beautiful breeze and gentle swishing through smooth seas and the congratulations of my marvellous watch. Soon after the call of tea's-up could be heard, Simon as a special birthday treat managed to locate some dark chocolate Toblerone. Given that this leg has been somewhat devoid of sweet treats given the high cost of food in Australia, this was indeed good news.
The two-six night watch is my favourite of the two as you get a nice sleep between ten until two then you get a watch full of activity as you start waking the mothers early to get breakfast prepared, wake the other watch then finally head down below for a relaxed breakie. This particular morning I was greeted with special birthday porridge with a silver candle - "today's going to be a good day"...
Waking from my morning snooze however I noticed that there was a lot of discussion both above and below decks and the tone was far from jubilant. What could it be, Hull & Humber pulling ahead, Jamaica Lightning Bolt closing from behind, some other tragedy aboard blocked heads, no more peanut butter, or worse no more chocolate spread? Then I tuned into the chat there had been an e-mail from the Race Director regarding a protest that had been lodged against ourselves Edinburgh Inspiring Capital and California by Hull & Humber a few days previous.
Now understand the swing in mood for us, we had received an e-mail from the race director stating that the protest was invalid as it was outside the six hour timeframe a protest should be lodged within. So to find out that we had been awarded a 60min time penalty for entering the TSS on day one was a surprise. Obviously we took this penalty with good grace and humour as we gainfully filled the swear box to the gunnels with all manner of currency.
The next watch was set to with an increased sense of purpose and determination; gains were made against our Yorkshire protagonists! The end of the watch was where my day really improved. Suspiciously both watches were gathering in the cockpit with a package, a card and a small shot of twelve year Appleton's Rum (Mine and my father's favourite). The parcel was wrapped in a page of Hello magazine (one of our small treats) this particular page featured an update on the status of Prince William and Kate Middleton's relationship. Prompting the debate about whether we felt she would make a suitable Queen.
Inside was a bright blue punk rock wig and a set of glasses made from glow sticks especially for the next night watch. Now I was delighted with the blue wig as it really was a much better effort than my attempts in Geraldton to dye my hair the colour of the boat, however I do now understand what an irritation long hair on a boat actually is. So the wig was worn, the rum seen off and birthday was back on track.
The day continued with focused helming, constant sail trim, continued banter and a strong (yet currently unrealised) desire to scream past Hull & Humber. Before another crew get together over diner where I got a chocolate brownie (with candles) and serenaded with a fine rendition of Happy Birthday to you.
So a birthday at sea? Actually the routine doesn't change there is the same level of concentration and professionalism to which we have aspired in this race, albeit with a little touch of silliness.
by Phil Robertson
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Macquarie Island, TAS
Kitesurfing - Kites
Windsurfing - Sails
Foiling - Components (Wings,Masts,etc)
Surfing - Longboards (7' and over)