Ellen's diary: Log five

Sailing star Ellen MacArthur is writing a daily diary for BBC Sport Online throughout her latest race, the Transat Jacques Vabre.

Unfortunately the seat for the chart table is the engine box.

It's the only place to sit down and write and once again I'm running with sweat while writing my memoirs!

We had another incredible night.

With up to 30 knots of breeze as we headed out to the west, I helmed for three hours and rarely did the speed fall below 22 knots - it really was something else!

It's a real brain teaser and a frustrating time

Ellen MacArthur

However, unfortunately we are slipping further back from Belgacom.

Alain and I are living in hope.

We just don't have their boat speed, and as we're a little further to the east, I think we also have less wind.

It's a real brain teaser and a frustrating time. 

Deciding whether to go to the east or the west was hard - but that's why we're out here!

I'm also afraid to report that this race is having a derogatory effect on the flying fish population.

As with any race boat we often have them on the deck, but I think they're only accustomed to mono and catamarans. 

They seem to miss the two hulls in the water, but then, in fright, they leap out straight into the windward float.

It's horrible watching them. You wish you could yell out "duck"', but then there is the slap, and they spiral through the air into the water.

Some make it and we see them swimming away. However, others are knocked out completely.

Notifying the fish and giving a clear description of these fiendish craft, and how to identify them, may be a job for the race organisers next time we have tris in the southern hemisphere!

Anyway, where was I?

Oh yes. The heat and the doldrums.

I think I'll have a nap now. It has been a while!

E