Melbourne to Osaka Double Handed Race 2013. Turbulence update April 26th.
Gday all, Well we’re less than 500 miles from the finish and we see it as a Melbourne to Hobart Westcoaster to go, we had a good run coming into last night for a couple days but the breeze has eased and wind predict is basically saying that the next couple of days will be heading us so interesting times ahead and not so much fun!
We had an interesting week with Eric nearly losing his family jewels when he went swimming Saturday night and a 6-8 foot shark decided he might be a bit hungry and hanged around the back of boat (pics and video taken) lucky for Eric even the shark couldn’t handle the smell and decided to find some other food, Eric was as white as his hair when he was outta the water and I couldn’t help to laugh my head off as I’ve said for months that there’s no way I’m jumping off back of boat to be Jaws dinner and he’s called me all sorts of names for being chicken well I now know someone else who aint going swimming anymore off the back of boats!
We are as fit and healthy as ever before and really looking forward to arrival which is sooner rather than later for me as times running out and my flight leaves a week tmrw and back to work the following night!
The last couple days been interesting discussion about offshore racing and Eric keeps telling me I can stick ocean racing up my arse and hes not doing anymore but as soon as we get close he will change his mind and we will again be a starter for the Westcoaster and Vanuatu and we will be back in 4 years for another tilt at the Osaka cup this time with a massive code 0 and a few other helpers for the light breeze which is where we fell down!
Unless of course Eric buys another boat which is a great idea but in reality I personally know that Turbulence is a better boat then what’s been seen in this race and these conditions so I would like to again take this boat in 4 years and prove to myself that we can achieve better!
Our congratulations to Optimus Prime for Line honours and Wasabi I thought had an outstanding race and was a clear standout for my mind!
I hope Spirit Of Downunder has finished when this email circulates and a huge Congrats to Laurie and Timmy particular Laurie as I could only dream that I will be as fit as he at his age to achieve what he has and I hope they figure well in the results!
To Escapade a brilliant effort and sad that Linehonours was just outta reach but what a hell of an effort to lead all that way for so long and not suprising that 2 very Qualified Yachtmasters were successful and Eric and I hope that you have taken out a division win in AMS or PHS!
Cadibarra 8 had a stellar run I thought and I’m sure Paul and co will be pleased! Better get back on deck and look busy before Captain Bligh wakes and starts barking orders!
Cheers Paul
