Day 13

Just yesterday I was reflecting on the power of the boat and the fear of getting hurt…

This morning during a tack, partly due to the cold, partly due to the humidity, and partly because I was still quite sleepy, I strained my back.

Panic…

For a moment, I thought I was going to have to tell my partner, “I’m stuck… you’ll have to deal with it for a few days.” I would have compromised the race.

I had 2 hours off. I lay down, breathed. I relaxed every muscle in my body. I breathed, focused on my back. I breathed…

After my rest period, I did a good stretching routine and luckily was operational again. Not 100%, but we’re getting there.

I was amazed at the control I was able to take over my muscles and how the yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises I do in preparation for the race were fundamental.

Day 14

We speak English on board.

I’m not a native speaker, but I can get by. Italian accent…

Masa is a bit more proficient than me, Japanese accent.

On the day of departure, just after setting off:

(L) – Have we got “ebbol”?

(M) – “Ebbol”?! (Looking at me weird because I didn’t understand something so simple)

(L) – Yes, “ebbol”, the fruit.

(M) – Ahhh, apple…

What a start, I already saw myself with 35 days of misunderstandings and delusions…

And yet, thankfully, up to today there have been no misunderstandings during weather discussions, maneuvers, or daily conversations during moments of conviviality, to relax a bit…

Day 15

Fatigue

The pace and mood are excellent, and two weeks have flown by.

However, the first signs of fatigue are being felt: small mistakes-forgotten details during maneuvers.

Having to solve problems during a maneuver, ruin the equipment, risk misunderstandings…

Now more than ever, we must pay attention to ourselves, the boat, and our partner to avoid triggering vicious circles.