BT Global Challenge - Leg 4 - Wellington Restart

madforsailing's diary writer Andy Magrath is looking for a hat-trick of leg wins

madforsailing is following the BT Global Challenge through the diaries of Conrad Humphreys (skipper) and Andy Magrath (crewman) aboard LG FLATRON.
Andy Magrath, LG FLATRON;

We leave tomorrow - Sunday 18th February - for Sydney. As I write that I can't believe that I have made it this far, 16,000 miles, half-way around the world. And I am a Cape Horner! This will be the second shortest leg of the race, but by no means easier than a 40 day Southern Ocean leg.

We have got to hit the start line on our best form. There will be no chance to make up for lost time later on in the leg. The boat that makes the least mistakes will be first into Sydney and I desperately want that to be LG FLATRON.

We are more prepared for this leg than we ever were leaving Southampton, Boston or Buenos Aires. I have effectively had today off, which has been great. To have a relaxing day before the race restarts is also great preparation.

We had training days on Sunday, Thursday and Friday last week, while the other days were corporate days. I did some helming and she feels lovely and light. In the last Global Challenge, 12 boats finished into Sydney within two hours of each other. Given the close racing we have seen so far in our race, I expect a similar finish in eight days time.

New Zealand is a great country and Wellington is a great town. I have done the usual things while we've been here, a 134 m (440 ft) bungee jump from a cable car suspended across a gorge, tandem skydive over Mount Cook, jet-boating and white water rafting. Queenstown on the South Island really is the adventure capital of the world!

I feel fit and well - early nights and off the booze for the last couple of days. Plus the compulsory 07:00 fitness training! I can't wait for the start tomorrow and hopefully LG FLATRON can make it a hat-trick of leg wins, but it won't be easy.