Stu Bannatyne: Anticipation as equator crossing nears

Camper in action during the Volvo Ocean Race. Photo / Supplied

A lot has happened since my last blog.

A classic North East trades pattern for leg 1 decided not to play ball for us this time as a result we had a big split in the fleet. With Telefonica, Puma and ourselves heading out west and leaving the French to battle their was down the African coast in a collapsing trades regime.

The boats that split west earlier gained nicely and we now face over a one hundred mile deficit to the leading pair. As a slight positive Groupama's eastern choice has not panned out and they are now a distant 4th.

TRACK THE RACE

We are now in the North East trades such as they are, broad reaching our way to the equator. Conditions on deck are very pleasant, the guys have peeled down to shorts and tee shirts and we have even seen a few sunhats come out.

There is a massive air of anticipation as we look forward to the equator crossing ceremony where King Neptune will have two new inductees into his realm. Both Adam and Hamish are shaking in their collective boots wondering what grim punishments will be dealt out during the ceremony.

It is interesting to note the different tactics employed by the two. Adam seems to be taking a full on assault of niceness, never have I seen him so forthcoming in offering coffees, drinks and any other favours that need doing. I suspect that this short-term strategy will fail dismally. Perhaps he should have thought of this strategy a long time ago.

Hamish on the other hand continues his normal behavior not quite sure of the correct approach to take. It would be safe to say that regardless of the approach taken by either of the two pending victims, appropriate punishment will be administers for the long list of crimes on record.

Temperatures down below are ramping up and the fans are in full use. The smell is not improving but overall spirits are high.

So we approach the next week of difficult transitions including an always-taxing voyage through The Doldrums before we break into the South East Trades and the long awaited Southern Hemisphere.

Still over 4000 miles until the finish in Cape Town and there is a lot of racing left in this leg yet.