Andy, Ian and Kate are enjoying the sunset. Kate is apparently too tired to use verbs. hence the latest text...
"Squalls off portpatrick. Pot noodle and melon. Big Rainbow. Long night, lots of boats here!" An interesting food combination - they have promised to save some for the support team.

Two text updates from Kate. All sounding good...
"Mull of Galloway, chicken curry for lunch and Rod Stewart on the Hi Fi. All Well."
"Dundee cake and tea off galloway. Kelly getting a bit carried away. Many itunes."
They are well fed anyway!

Scafell

This was the big one, 17 cycle, mountain marathon, 17 miles cycle back. After egg sandwiches at Wasdale the boys ran up into the clouds and with only minor navigational issues did the job in fine style. They did the round trip out of Whitehaven in about 9 hours, partly fueled by flapjack made by the lovely Laura at the Wasdale marshals post. After a welcome shower for the boys, Beeline left Whitehaven lock at 23:45 for the long leg to Scotland. Photo is at Wasdale on the way back (posted by Lucy).

After crazy winds out of Barmouth, the wind dropped down to not much on the way to Whitehaven. They lost a halyard up the mast and Kate was pulled to the top to fetch it. It had to be done and fearless Kate didn't think twice about braving the heights! (pictures to follow). Kelly says Kate is going into Hyper-mode and they will Make her go below for a sleep soon. (posted by Lucy)
Pictures are:
Beeline at Britannia Bridge
Kate up mast in Irish Sea
Skipper concentrating at the Swellies Rock!

Once we got to Whitehaven we were delighted to sneak in with the keel raised and drop Steve and Andy at midday for an evening run. Tesco Wetherspoons and the laundry competed with he pleasure of a good sleep.

In the Sea Lock

Caernarfon

After what sounds like a very testing passage from Barmouth in big sea with most of the team offloading their lunch, Beeline arrived at the first stop in the early morning light. All looked relieved to have made it in one piece. three other boats have retired. The intrepid runners set off at 4:45 and did a cracking time of 5 hours, overtaking another team's pair on the road back into town. Beeline is now running in 21st, and on her way up the Straits. Photo is the 'after' shot with the runners looking happy t0 have one done. Hopefully better weather from now on (posted by Lucy)

Kate says: We dropped the runners and went to anchor and have a sleep but our short night was disturbed by the tide turning and the boat crashing into the Lucky Tarte. We moved offshore but then were alarmed to find we were dragging out to sea. Luckily this coincided with Steve and Andy returning and Kelly celebrated by making some fabulous fruit porridge which filled us all with warmth and energy ready for Menai.

The start

Beeline on her way out of harbour, and... they're off!
(posted by Lucy)

Kate says: This was quite alarming and we did wonder if we would get out of Barmouth in one piece as there were boats crashing towards us out of control in the breakers as we left harbour. We started with two reefs in the mainsail and a little jib but shortly after we put in a third reef for the first time ever. Chris Scanes made me some lovely sails for this race and the little working jib has become a firm favourite.
We had an excruciating thrash to windward which was nausea inducing and exhausting and most of us were sick. Kelly was a star as she stayed strong and looked after all of us with drinks and reminders to get below in the warm and take our Stugeron. It was a huge relief to turn the corner at Bardsey Head. Only for a minute though as we quickly fell into the race and had a washing machine experience that frightened even Bill Ricketts. But calm returned and the wind died down and we were able to recover as we approached Caernarfon Bar. Unnerved by the Life boat rescuing a fellow competitor we tiptoed in and dropped Steve and Andy at dawn. Leg one complete!

Filthy Weather

We slept badly on board due to a heavy swell and forty foot boats either end of us trying to pull Beeline in half. This morning the rain is lashing down and the wind is howling at 30 knots. It is forecast to improve and the sun should be shining tomorrow. We have given some thought to staying in Barmouth overnight and leaving at dawn! But more likely we will be well reefed and using our lovely new working jib Chris Scanes made for the occasion that has propelled us here so efficiently.
Breakfast in The Anchor Cafe was a Welsh Special and should last 36 hours or so. We have attended the team briefing and the photo call and are now pretty much ready for sea. It is already looking better than it did at 8am and at least I have got out of going up the mast again!
Yesterday I was surprised to be called by Radio Devon for an interview which was actually quite enjoyable. I explained we are supporting the Devon Air Ambulance and all donations are appreciated.
Next chance to update will probably be Whitehaven unless the dongle works and there is time in the Menai Straits. Keep watching our tracker number 1!