Skipper's log: Sam Goodchild (Britain), Leyton (Class40)

Hello,

Day 12 and not much news for a while as we've mostly been underwater. The
4 days downwind from the Canaries to the doldrums were pretty full on.
These boats get wet pretty quick ploughing into the back of waves and as
the living area is so small it doesnt take long for everyhting to get wet.
This means we quickly go from fully dressed and on the helm into the bunk,
the only dry place on the boat. Spending the minimum time looking at
nav and eating inbetween.

TThe trip down went fairly well for us, we strugled keeeping up with
Crédit Mutuel, who got west early and then were really quick in the
seastate. they even broke the 24H record in the process. So we were fairly
relieved to stop loosing miies when we got to the cape verdes.

We're now in the doldrums for the 2nd night. We've had our fair share of
squall clouds, rain and then drifting. the gap in Crédit Mutuel, is down to
50 odd miles and who gets into the soutern hemisphere trade winds first
and when will dictate if the gap stays or grows.

Yesterday was, just our second day of the race withhout having water on the
deck, so between the rain clouds we finally got to enjoy drying out an
wearing shorts!

The rest of the race to the finish looks relatively simple on paper but
we'll be pushing hard to close the gap. You never know where a break could
come from so,we're going to be ready to take any opportunities.

All for sam now on Leyton!