The mast featured large in today’s session – it wasn’t straight and there were many conflicting theories concerning why. The relative tightness of the various wires (shrouds) holding it up were discussed. In the end a rigger was summoned, and the offending wire was identified as we sailed back and forth in the harbor in stiff breeze. Shortly after the junior rigger was sent aloft to do mysterious rigging things, all agreed the mast was now perfect. This did not excuse the ten sweaty sailors being late for dinner though.
Very breezy day for sailing – practice included reefing quickly; poling out the jib in high breeze; and getting very wet. Reefing quickly needs more work – again tomorrow (if done too slowly puts the mainsail at risk for damage, and you only have one mainsail).
On the media front, Joe was interviewed by the Italian sailing press, Chinese sailing press, and yesterday’s ABC interview was on the nightly TV news. The crew position of navigator is now being replaced by press secretary. It has been noted that a number of publications are not carrying news of Joe and the Lindy – these are now banished from the boat and there can be no mention of them.