Mowing down the little Wild Child in the Solo Trans Tasman

by Tony Mowbray on 3 Jun 2002 9.00am Monday June 3rd 2002 41S 160 34E. At this point I am 120 nm NNE of Lord Howe Island and the Kennards Hire spinnaker is dragging Kennards Hire
Solo Globe Challenger through the water towards Mooloolaba which is now 432 nm away.

I crossed the 30th parallel of latitude last night and today is shorts and sunnies day whilst I try to reel Wild Child in. She is just 53 nm ahead at 8.00am this morning.I can't have anymore sail up on SAL and she's giving it a go for me!

Last night I played dodgem's with two big ships. In my wildest dreams I didn't think
one let alone two would be so close to me out here so to say I was surprised is an understatement. These huge vessels are agents of stealth! You have to try not to
think about the result of being a touch too close to just one of them let alone two! Nightmare stuff.

This evening I will pass just to the north of Middleton and Elizabeth Reefs.They have bought their fare share of sailors undone. Bill Belcher competing in this race in
the 70's or 80's put his boat up on Middleton Reef and ended up in a life raft for 26 or so days.I think I'll try to stay alert tonight! I wouldn't mind having look at
them one day but right now there is a job to be done.

The much discussed lump on my cheek is getting smaller and looks like I've avoided infection in the gash (refer Update 7). I must thank all correspondents for their
concern about my injury particularly the now famous 'George from Raymond Terrace' who reminded me that the best way to open a can of SPC Baked Beans is with a can opener. Thanks for your support George!

As usual personal hygiene is top of my priorities out here.As you would expect I am still wearing the same set of clothes I started in 8 days ago! Beautiful!

Hands up
if you are proud of me! Don't worry though, if there are cameras anywhere near the finish line I will find my best pink fur jacket and freshen up (this bit inserted by the editor in retaliation for comments expressed in update 8).

Well that's it for today - the finish line beckons so its back on deck to get there as soon as I can. I can almost smell a beer at Mooloolaba Yacht Club.