Final Report From 40 Degrees

Date: 17/11/2009
The last day at sea is always a busy one - it's time to make the boat and crew semi-presentable to the outside world. We think the boat is quite clean and tidy now, but we'll see what others think in a few hours!
The weather yesterday was perfect, downwind sailing some 12-15 miles off the north coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. The water here is quite green.
Alex (shore crew) had hidden a couple of surprises on board before the start - in strategic places that are supposed to be regularly inspected. We therefore had a foie gras for lunch on the terrace, but are saving the champagne for the finish. Thank you Alex!
We were kept on our toes by the many very small one-man wooden fishing boats which are hard to see until quite close up, and we were wondering how they got so far out without any visible means of propulsion. It seems that each group has a mother ship. We passed very close to several boats, and waved at each other. What has been somewhat less entertaining is that these boats are out here at night too, unlit (other than the mother ship). Some have torches which cast a feeble light at the last minute when we are approaching at 9 knots, while others have no light at all. One unlit one was so close, I'm amazed that it didn't snag on the spinnaker. I only saw it because the hull was light in colour.
At about 25 miles to go to the finish, a vessel came close and lit up our sails. Thinking that we were about to plough through yet another unlit fishing fleet, I was immensely relieved when it turned out to be a Mexican Navy vessel come to escort us the rest of the way. They are following us one mile astern. The wind is quite light, and we are aiming for an antisocial finishing time.
Peter says "This is the longest, most gruelling race he has done to date. The first two weeks of non-stop low pressure systems was certainly not what was advertised in the brochure! Those in the UK who had the storm on Friday night will have had a taste of what we went through. We are pleased with our result, bearing in mind the calibre of the teams in front, and we look forward to welcoming in the rest of the fleet over the next few days. It will seem strange going back to a more predictable life on land, where you have a good idea of what will be happening in the next few hours, unlike at sea, where there are no end to the surpises (good and bad!) in store."
A big thank you to everyone who worked so hard to get 40 Degrees to the start line of this race, and to everyone who sent messages - we have been well entertained!
Miranda/ 40 Degrees

40 DEGREES CROSSED THE FINISH LINE IN PROGRESO, MEXICO AT 0810 UTC TIME IN 7TH PLACE