Vendee Globe- Day 52 onboard Roxy - A Tale of Two Brains

by Sam Davies on 1 Jan 2009 Sam Davies reports on Day 52 onboard Roxy in the Vendée Globe

Hello everyone

Did you know that offshore sailors actually have two brains? Well, we do! One is a clever brain that makes all the right decisions, is sensible, tidy, rational and patient; the other is the 'stupid brain' that makes silly mistakes, and generally tries to create havoc!

Normally, we exist with the two brains in 'synch' and fortunately the clever brain seems to keep the stupid brain in check most of the time! There are, however, small flaws that can cause 'hiccups' if not best avoided. The clever brain is not perfect, and it is certainly not a 'morning' brain! It takes a lot of time to wake up and get functioning.

Unfortunately, on wake up, the stupid brain is up and running at 100% in a matter of seconds (normally before the pins and needles in your hand/foot have gone). This stupid brain then tries to persuade you that it is your clever brain so it can gain control.....

Obviously, lacking the clever brain, (who has pressed 'snooze' on its alarm several times by now) you are unable to analyse which brain is in action, and that is where potential disasters can happen! Thus, the moral of the story is - when you wake up after a little sleep (even just a 10 minute one!) BEWARE of the stupid brain, and wait a bit before trying to do something complicated or making a tactical decision, so as to give the clever brain time to get going!

Equally, when one is tired, the clever brain is less able to control the stupid brain, and that is when we make silly errors that either loose miles, or worse, cause breakages!! Just this morning, I made the error of listening to my stupid brain and I gybed too early! How annoying is that? It's been a long time since I fell into this trap. Luckily, it hasn't cost too many miles.

And if you ever hear me talking rubbish on the 'vacation radio' you now know that it is probably because I've just woken up and it’s my stupid brain talking, not the clever one, so just ignore me!!!

S x

At 1100 UK time, Sam Davies aboard Roxy was in 7th position, 1,755 miles from race leader Michel Desjoyeaux aboard Foncia

To follow Roxy and Sam Davies’ progress: www.roxysailing.com or www.samdavies.com