As with the belief that cats have 9 lives, so does it appear this race does as well. Multiple lives with multiple conditions in multiple locations. In fact some lives, like yesterday, were multiple chapters and multiple conditions in the same location…

After scratching ferociously through 1800 miles of ocean in no time, we seemed, like most in the fleet to chase our tail looking for breeze and direction. The tracker is a crazy record of directions and paths taken.

A new life began early this morning with steady, fresh breeze and 12 knots of boat speed heading towards the finish—a novel concept. As predicted this lightened in the afternoon and hopefully as predicted, will fill in as we type. The only thing we know is another few lives will be lived by this cat before the finish.

One item that does not have multiple lives on Leopard is the daily chocolate box. It has more of a half life. Over the past few days, with a bit more free time, the chocolate has disappeared for the day barely after breakfast hour passed. Not surprisingly this has been to the great consternation of those asleep at that time dreaming of an afternoon Kit Kat. A groundswell arose today and an enquiry was called for by bowman Louis Sinclair (better known as “Jumpy” for his method of levitating across the boat) and Lord Chris of Sherlock, the Keeper of Law and Order aboard Leopard. All the crew were examined and solicited throughout the morning watches for evidence. A general meeting was called for during the change of watch at 1600. The results of the enquiry were reported in that Lord Chris of Sherlock was clearly one of the culprits, as well as Guy “Nipper” Salter and Brad “Who Me?” Hooker. Once again proving that aboard a vessel of Law and Order, the keeper of Order is not necessarily a follower of the law.

Although the breeze has been shifty the sun has shined this afternoon. Patience abounds but the hourly crowding of the Tracker on the computer illustrates plenty of competition flowing. We also have seen multiple, enormous whales all day long. Having been advised that whale watching, in fact, is not intended to be a contact sport, today we have kept our distance.

Clarke Murphy