Sigmund The Seamonster

I keep assuming that those who are reading this blog - what little we've managed to get out to you - are also following the race tracker. I'm not sure how our 45 minute encounter with Sigmund is going to appear on the tracker - if at all. It was frustrating enough that we were ghosting along with just a whiff of breeze, which degraded to nothing. Sometime around 21:15, while struggling to keep the boat moving, we were optimistic of a puff coming our way. J.B. was on the helm when it started. Quite strange, really. The sails filled and the boat powered up just a little. Jeff repeatedly asked J.B. to head up to meet the puff, and increase our apparent wind in effort to get the boat moving. J.B. replied "I am trying, but I cannot. I do not know what is wrong." (say this to yourself in a French accent, for the full effect).

Jeff came back and took the helm, and expressed his frustration, eventually exlaiming "it feels like the boat is anchored!." I got a high intensity flashlight over the side of the boat on the starboard side and saw nothing. But, when I looked over the port side, I saw Sigmund. His tentacles were flowing aft, emanating from the keel of Cipango. Alongside the boat was further evidence of his massive size. We'd run into a kelp patty - island more like it - that should have it's own postal code. "Yep, we're anchored alright," I told Jeff. With an immediate "all hands" we struggled to pull and cut at the monster for 45 minutes, hauling what must have been hundreds of pounds of kelp forward, away from the keel and cutting it away. Jay was ready to dive in, but the thing was so massive, that it was unclear what someone might do in the water. (it also seemed quite possible to get thoroughly tangled in the beast). We finally freed ourselves from the monster. The time seemed like an eternity, but we were quite relieved - albeit exhausted from the fight - to be underway again. We sent J.B. over the side on a halyard to assure ourselves that we were freed from our captor.

It's 06:50 on Wednesday morning. After our visit from Sigmund, we were eventually treated to a filling West breeze, which we were able to enjoy through a terrific Tequila Sunrise (feel free to sing along). We're approaching, some 60 miles or so to the East. With the end "in sight," so to speak, we're looking forward to a round of beers or three and some fish tacos - hopefully by Thursday evening. IF the wind gods and the Sigmunds cooperate.

Hello to all,

Barry, on behalf of the crew of Cipango

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