"Pinch and a punch for the first day of the month and no returns." Do that to Smithy at your peril now. He has made a full recovery!

He has lost the uncharacteristic polite manner he maintained over the last 24 hours and is back to get a *** move on you ***. Where is my *** coffee you *** ***. Get the picture? I could tell he was recovering when he screamed HAVIT.... several times when attaining 12 kts boat speed on the helm.

You might have been fooled into thinking the Juno is crewed by The British Limbless Ex Servicemen's Association (BLESMA). We are in the process of re-branding. Why? Gary Castle has lost two buckets over the side since race start and we believe he is going for his hat-trick. Smithy Reckons we should be called "The Bucketless Ex Servicemen's Association".

The fridges are now warmer than outside. One advantage is, the sausages for breakfast were pre-warmed prior to going in the oven. Tim (the one that got away) Palmer has brought a load of fancy sea fishing gear with him. Has he caught a fish? Bob Monkhouse has. A flying fish right in the chops last night helming at 9 kts. Did he keep it under his hat? I quote: "I caught the first fish without *** fancy gear Tim!

Under a cloud and in the shimmering blackness last night, I am convinced I saw a Giant Squid alongside.

Brendan
Yachting World, 1 December 2005