Skippers log #18
Position: 13 59N 41 13W at 22:20 GMT Log Entry: It is fresh out here tonight. The wind is gusting to 30 knots apparent, and the sea is very confused. We were bouncing badly off waves, sometimes being airborne for an eternity, crashing back into an angry sea. The sea does not have enough wind strength to be angry, yet the white caps are steep. I have put a double reef in the mainsail. I did not intend to put two reefs in, but as it was the first time since leaving Charleston that I had to reef, I somehow missed seeing the eye for the first reef in the low deck light. There is some type of weather wave moving though the area. I am saddened by the knowledge I overheard on the SSB radio of Project Amazon heading to Puerto Rico. He has some type of fuel problem. I have not spoken with Sebastian, but over heard his conversation with South Bound 2 who has been providing the boats with weather information. Today is my brother in law's birthday and I got the chance to call. I forgot to ask how old he is? I look forward to meeting him for the first time when I get to Cape Town. I am not sure what to expect in Cape Town. I am wondering how the city has changed in the last 3 years. As the only South African in the race, I wonder what type of reception will await my arrival. South Africa has greater needs for organizations like the No Barriers Education Foundation than America does. Too many South African youth do not know that they can dream, work hard, gain life long learning skills and build an honest life of their desire. They need people to offer them encouragement and show them how to take steps. I do not hold all the answers, but I grew up there and took the steps and have been able to share my experiences with several million people. Individuals can make a difference, but together we can make life change. I had an e-mail this evening from Ruben Greenburg, Chief of Police in Charleston offering his help. Chief Greenburg brought 4 youths his department works with for a daysail on this boat to expose them to something different. He is a visionary. It is people like Chief Greenburg who will explore things out of the norm that South Africa needs. Those people are there, but may still have to blossom. Neal

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