First Cross through the Equator

Another update on our crossing. Since I wrote, we have made good progress toward Punta del Este. After passing the equator, we started pretty much close haul (i.e going hard against the wind), but as planned, the wind progressively backed off and we are now on a nice reach at about 70 degrees to the wind. With a bit of luck, we may be able to use the kite in the coming days if the wind keeps backing. We are still holding our third position although our competitors are close on our heels. So we focus on not making mistakes, helming well and trimming the boat.

The past few days upwind have been demanding. First the wind is variable and squally so we regularly take and shake reefs, adjust head sails, which is heavy work on our boat. Also, the boat when pushed upwind takes in a lot of water which we have to pump out. A defect in the pumping system of the clipper 70 means that we have to do it manually using buckets or a mobile pump. That involves lifting floorboard, going into the bilges and pumping / scooping out water out in every watch. As we are already short handed (our watch are 6 people, with me out it becomes 5 and 6), that is taking a toll on the crew, both fatigue and moral: with bilge pumping plus all the other roles (cleaning, navigation, etc…), it is rare to have more than 3-4 people on deck at anytime. We are holding up but really looking forward to getting downwind (at beam or further, we do not take in much water, we live horizontal, and we can use installed pumps).

As you realise, I am still off watch. It has been now a week since I fell and these ribs take a while to heal. The problem is that there are no good angle for me to use my right hand/arm. So basically I am incapacitated and cannot really play an active role on board. Given my role as watch leader, it is also letting my watch figure out a lot of things by themselves and for the skipper and mate, taking a more direct role in manoeuvres.

The crew is really supportive, but I feel quite guilty anyway, like I am letting them down, especially given how hard they are working. I know rationally that this is not the case but still…

That is it for now. Until next time,

Henri

Skipper Ella Hebron and the crew after crossing the equator

4 October 2025