4,15am. Boat speed 2.0 knots.New watch, more dolphins but rather slow progress on board. Code 0 down, Genoa up. Caragh’s off to the galley, it’s Pot Noodle time!

Check in at 2000 – progress has been slowed.

After a spectacular start and watching the big boats steadily pull away we are settling in to our race and keeping a close eye on the competition.

Currently on port tack in light airs ghosting along making just under 4 knots. Now settled into the watch system and enjoyed our first supper.

The mood is high and the crew are settling into the routine of watching the numbers, sail trim, and boat speed.

The glow of Sicily is off to our left and it is a clear night so there may a discussion on the constellation at some point.

Starboard watch looking forward to some rest.

Crew of Geisha signing off.

After a frustrating start and following the fleet out the harbour we worked our way up the middle left of the first beat, there was more pressure for sure on the shore but the old girl isn’t great at holding her lane against the newbies so we took what was sensible, by the top mark stormy rounded about 90 seconds ahead and set her Asy and Mizzen staysail.

We delayed the set opting for a course just above the thumb line. We tried the Mizzen staysail but it was a bad call, we then hoisted the new Asymmetric, tacked to the bow and instantly powered off on course. Next we tried the new spinnaker staysail and we fiddled with combinations of the 4 sails for the rest of the day. It’s been a great sight seeing the big boats sail through the fleet and the variance of courses to sail in which appears to be a point and shoot leg.

As the light fades on a great day’s sailing in sunshine and light breezes we are now back on the no1 full main and Mizzen heading for the first corner of Sicily where we expect to hug the coast line over night in search of some drainage breeze and a favourable shift.

Stormy is probably 2 miles astern with Winsome about 1/2 mile back still healing hard with the large sym kite flying. As the slowest boat In the fleet we are happy to be mixing it with the others. Ahead lies a difficult upwind night and fingers crossed we can keep in the breeze and hold our position until the sunrises and the decisions made in the darkness become apparent.

Jaffa et al

So here we are on the morning of the start of the 2014 Rolex Middle Sea Race. There is much expectation and nervous energy as the crew complete final preparations.

A huge amount of preparation has gone into ensuring Geisha is here on the start in the best possible condition and thanks goes to Geisha’s owner David, Mark for pulling together and coordinating the crew, Matt and Tim for kit and Steve and Enrico for the food.

This race is unfinished business for three of the crew so we are all committed as Corinthian sailors to finishing this race in 2014.

As we head out to the start in this wonderful setting amongst a number of some of the world’s finest race boats gives you a reminder of how lucky we are to compete in a sport where professionals and amateur sailors can line up alongside each other. There is a sense of camaraderie which pulls such racers together with mutual respect.

Geisha will send updates on the race as we progress.

That’s all for now.

Crew of Geisha signing off.