Report from BOOTS, 8.59am December 28

• NEWS
• 28 Dec, 2004 09:27:00 AM

Report from BOOTS, 8.59am December 28

"The boys enjoyed a Greek roast lamb with baked veggies greens and gravy, and of course a glass of red".

The low hit us at 8.00am on Monday and by the afternoon we had three reefs in and the no. 3 on the bow.  BOOTS just loves this stuff.  The waves were building and quite short, max 5 metres but mostly 3-4, the wind was in the low 30's.  The conditions were not worrying us but the forecast was so we decided to sit out the storm in East Boyd Bay last night, together with a baker's dozen of boats who have done the same, or retired from the race.  The boys enjoyed a Greek roast lamb with baked veggies greens and gravy, and of course a glass of red.  We're in great shape and keen to keep going.

No problem with the boat or crew, in fact apart from feeling a little seedy because of the rough conditions, no-one has been sick.  We just made the decision to stand off to see how the low was developing. 

As I'm sure you're aware, the fleet has been reduced somewhat, some retiring due to the conditions and others because of crew injury or boat damage.  The sked this morning took forever as the relay vessel was in here with us and couldn't receive the boat positions further south due to the atmospherics. 

From the position reports, boats are having difficulty making any progress south due to the south westerlies and the huge waves and swell.  Some look like they are heading to NZ and when I look at the weather fax and their position in relation to the low, 'give me a home among the gum trees!'. 

We're pushing off after a restful night to have a look at what is being delivered on the corner at Gabo.  Our plan is to try to head West around the corner to come south on the back of the low on Wednesday afternoon.

Rob - BOOTS