May 16, 2005
CHARLESTON, SC USA - In addition to the reports of bumpy seas and squally conditions while sailing through the Gulfstream, a few Charleston to Bermuda racers have reported incredible fish stories. Tao landed two fish on the boat and could hardly control themselves in describing the fresh mahi mahi and grits they devoured for breakfast. They are reorganizing the cooler to accommodate future successes off the stern. Weed reports catching the biggest mahi mahi those onboard have ever seen. While a few entries appear to be fishing as hard as they are sailing, the competitive spirit of sailboat racing is alive and well on the C2B racecourse.The crew of Midnight Rider has a serious race face on 281 miles from the finish line at St. David's Lighthouse in Bermuda. They are focused intensely on the weather and determining if their gamble to the north will pay off. In the Gulfstream yesterday they were surrounded by thunderstorms, which were whipping lightening down at frighteningly close range. They cleared the Gulfstream at about 5:00pm EDT on Sunday, May 15. Teddy Turner surprised the crew when he brought an unexpected guest onboard for the evening. A barn swallow arrived on deck hoping for a short respite. Teddy took the bird to the food closet where the bird rested overnight before taking flight this morning.
Babsan, a Camper Nicholson 40 from Wisconsin, had a wild ride last night with breezes in excess of 25 knots and boat speed pushing nine knots. E's Alee, a Hylas 46, has every sail possible flying in 10 knots of breeze from the SSW. They enjoyed a spectacular show by a transiting whale yesterday afternoon. The entire crew was treated to a full breach by this traveling nomad, with a spectacular splash estimated to be forty feet high. Luna Danns, a Sweden 70, just hoisted the spinnaker today after reaching most of the night under main/jib and staysail. They are sailing under clear skies in 10 knots of breeze.