Less than 1000 miles to go! Race Update - Friday 6th December

We're back with Harry today for our daily blog update. With less than 1000 miles to go, the crew have nearly on the final strait home - read more below....

"So it's day 12 on board HMS Race4Rene. Wind is still strong, and we have managed to speed our way to 2nd place in our category with just under 1000 miles left to go!

It has been an eventful few days at sea.

First mate Elliott has been teaching us his favourite French swear words, because as a group of young men we didn't quite have enough ways to insult each other.
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We (James) managed to accidental gybe yesterday afternoon. Out of nowhere the boom flew across above our heads as we turned slightly too far away from the wind. Fortunately none of us were sat in Gareth's "danger zone", and all were unharmed, but we managed to snap off the vang (piece of metal holding the boom down). Luckily skipper Gareth managed to fashion a makeshift replacement out of some spare ropes, but unfortunately for the crew this has added a new and ridiculously loud sqeak to the boats repertoire of disconcerting noises made to make you anxious something terrible has happened while sleeping. I managed to get to sleep last night whilst listening to fan noises on repeat on my headphones.

Miki has developed a new bout of Miki flu and won't shut up about it. He has resorted to sleeping amongst the sails in his new illness boudoir.

We released a message in a bottle! We wanted to do this as a symbol of hope that no matter how isolated you might feel, there will always be someone to talk to. Fingers crossed this will be found in years to come and they will get in contact with us!

And finally, my personal favourite, Simon was hit in the face by a flying fish while having a cigarette on the deck.
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I can't believe it's only 5 days left until we arrive in St Lucia. See you all on the other side!"