There was a big relief on board when the recently repaired spinnaker was flying from the mast. The suspense was great as everyone knew how much time had been spent on the repair in Punta del Este. Even bigger were the emotions after the sail unfolded in all its glory. The signs of repair could not be missed, but it accelerated us right away. This was our reward for the endless hours of hard work. There was a mix of tears of joy and cries of cheer.

I was on my off-watch when it was decided to hoist the spinnaker. Initially, I was debating whether to enjoy my time off and go to bed. On the other hand I was apprehensive about any issues and did not want to be called out of my bunk. As I could not sleep, I assisted the hoist from below deck. This also solved my dilemma. Subsequently, I could rest for a few hours before going back on deck.

At least this is what I had thought when lying down. After being woken we started having our dinner. While we were eating, the preparations to drop the spinnaker were ongoing on deck. After the recent experiences and with the wind forecasted to build overnight, it was decided to change to a smaller headsail for the night. Our dinner was cut a bit short due to the sail change. But in the end we are a racing boat in a race. So if a manoeuvre is necessary it takes precedence over the needs of individual crew members.

This morning we then had the opposite spectacle. After the wind had reduced and the sun was up it was time to change back. This was still before breakfast so that no meal was interrupted. Only our preparation time was reduced. Nonetheless, we had the coffee prepared, the bread toasted and everything else ready to feed the oncoming watch at half past six. After they went on deck to take over, it was time for my watch to come below and have breakfast before getting some rest. For my counterpart in the other watch and myself the struggle continued. We washed the dishes and started the preparations for lunch. As not all the ingredients on the menu had been available in Uruguay, we had to find an alternative. Based on the empty bowls and pans we didn’t do too badly.

What is left now is preparing dinner and washing up before handing over to the next galley team. Our reward for galley duty is a full night of sleep prior to joining in to the normal watch pattern after breakfast tomorrow. Like this everyone will habe to cook for a day before it is our turn again in a weeks time. And that could already be our last galley watch for this leg. There are about 2’600 nautical miles remaining until the finish. With us averaging around 240 miles a day at the moment, we could arrive in eleven days already. But it is still a long way to go with possible surprises waiting along the way. So the only thing we can do for the moment is to go on, trying to sail as quickly as possible.