Volvo Ocean Race ‘hero of the day award’ goes to Jamie Gale, mastman aboard illbruck who proved his worth when he jumped in to the icy sea to clear weed from the propeller strut drive.

According to Stu Bannatyne, onboard watchleader, Gale has demonstrated a new lease of life since they crossed the International Dateline and the crew is looking forward to what amazing feats he has planned for the rest of the leg. Bannatyne commented: ‘He is still the only guy around who can pull code zeros to the masthead solo and then be back on the pumps [grinders for the winches] for a solo grind in the blink of an eye. Always a gentleman he will be the first to offer a round of coffees or to bail the bilge. It was his misfortune to draw galley duty for today (and yesterday due to the aforementioned hiccup in time) not a word of complaint as the dishes were done and the galley left spotless for two consecutive days.”

Jamie’s newfound dedication and commitment to the race occurred this morning when he decided to leap over the side to free the prop shaft. He’s final words before he leapt in the sea were: “This is bull****, we are sailing around with weed on, I’m going in. Where are the flippers?” While Ray Davies scrambled for the flippers and mask someone casually mentioned the fact that we were approaching the latitude of Stewart Island and the water might be a bit chilly. “No problem,” replied Jamie, “As a nipper back in Auckland, I used to dive for scallops in water a lot brassier than this, in winter.” Not even a nearby basking seal would put him off as he leapt in, removed the offending weed and was back on board before anyone could even offer him a hand. As he went below to dry off, his parting comment to Crusty was, “Maybe you could go a little slower than 4 knots before sending me in next time?”