Yesterday represented a stark contrast to the previous 30-odd hours. There was a great sense of relief among our crew as the storm began to abate, particularly from the guys who have been struck down with seasickness.
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Blue skies and modest breezes made a welcome change from the bloodbath of the previous day and a half, during which winds of more than 40 knots and pounding seas made sleep impossible for the crew. After a sustained period of time battling 40-knot winds, 30 knots feels like nothing. It was champagne sailing down the Tasmanian coastline on Tuesday evening.
By and large, we're happy with the way the race has gone for us. Tactically, we were always favouring staying quite wide of the Tasmanian coast as we felt the winds there would give us a better chance of finishing inside the top three.
The heavy weather has meant there hasn't been much banter among the crew as we busied ourselves with the task of getting through it.
Four of the 24 guys on board have been physically ill and two spent a fair bit of time in the rack, but as the weather settled yesterday they joined us back on deck.
We have already made our booking at the Shipwright's Arms Hotel in Hobart for our traditional celebratory lunch. Given what we have been up against the last few days, I'm sure it will be a festive affair. Indeed, some of the guys will just be happy to line their stomachs again.
Geoff Cropley is lead trimmer and helmsman on Lahana, raising money for Ronald McDonald House. Donations can be made at: www.everydayhero.com.au/manildra-group-lahana.
