s/v Music Update, Saturday July 19

Received this last night from Music. This will explain why they've dropped to 4th place. It seems to be a really competitive division. Hopefully they'll be in 2nd or 3rd tomorrow now that they're back to full speed. They call John the lazarette lizard because he spent so many days curled up in the aft lazarette (storage locker) while we were getting the boat ready. He's about the only one, besides Lesley, who could contort enough to get back there. That's from his climbing days and the flexibility he developed. Sounds like they've gotten everything taken care of and they do an equipment check every day to catch just these types of things early.

Sent: Friday, July 18, 2008 9:36 PM
Subject: July 18 - Fix it Friday

Hi Gail, we miss you!

Skipper has elected to have a different crewmember write each day . . so today it's me -- Simon. Thanks for your updates and encouragement. Great to be hanging in the front of our pack, but it's close racing. Today our first and biggest repair was to reinforce the steering quadrant where a crack was developing. We slowed right down, sailed under main alone for one hour with minimal movement of the steering wheel while John "lazarette lizard" McC applied magic potion and hardware to the offending part. We managed to keep going about 5 knots while all this was going on, but it no doubt ate into our 30 minute lead over Checkered Past (or Wylie Coyote as we call 'em).

Next up, the lazarette lizard insisted on being hoisted up the rig for an inspection -- good thing as there was some more work to be done to arrest some chafing action in a few spots. The lizard and George then retired to the forward head to make some water. In the meantime, John D and I sent Gord up the rig again to rerig the topping lift in external mode to stop the chafe. Improvising all the way but we're back up to full speed. Lesley stepped in as guest chef while all this was going on and we had an awesome chicken curry and rice dinner accompanied by our first beers of the race so far.

Tomorrow we intend to catch tuna -- we'll let you know how that goes. Great sailing so far, wish you were here!

To Bill from Bob: "Roger that -- we'll get there fast and then take it slow!"

JM Note:
HI Dear, basically we've had our share of repairs but have still kept on racing. Hope we continue as lucky!! As for this crew, well, I couldn't have asked for a better bunch. We're all getting along great and the teamwork is awesome!! I don't foresee any issues either. They're all fantastic. Tell Kim the next time she sees George, he's going to be a different man. He loves it out here and he remains a real asset and fits right in with everyone else.
Got to go,
Love me.