Crew Blog

Spinnaker blues

11 March 2008

Day 17 of Race 7 finds Nova Scotia some 1,450 nm from the finish-150 miles to the International Date Line, and then a further 1,300 miles to Hawaii. We have been following a more easterly course to date, but over the past couple of days we’ve added a bit more south to our direction, which is making for more pleasant and warmer sailing. Although we are not officially expected into Honolulu until the 20th, some of us are still keeping our fingers crossed for the 17th, hoping to make last call at the bar on Saint Paddy’s Day!

The trip so far has been rather uneventful in terms of wind and
Weather - mostly good down-wind sailing, with large following rollers and Force 6/7 winds, under poled-out Yankee 2. But we’ve had our moments with spinnakers! More so than on any other leg/race so far, we have been plagued with spinnaker damage this race. Early on, we managed to wrap the 0.75 kite, and in attempting to get it down, the kite was torn. Fortunately the damage is not irreparable, and we have been taking turns hand-stitching the damaged panels back in place. (Our sewing machine has been out of commission since Day 1.) The same cannot be said however for our 1.5, which came down in 2 pieces the other night while attempting to get it down in high winds and being unable to bear away at the time.

Last night, we put up the 2.2 kite, only to discover after 10 minutes that no matter which gybe we made the kite wouldn’t fly effectively. And so down it came. This occurred right at dinnertime; hence the kite was packed and put away in record time.

Even our trusty Yankee 2 has not escaped unscathed. At daybreak yesterday, we were somewhat shocked to discover that there were only 2 hanks holding the sail onto the forestay. This damage has been put down to poor quality replacement hanks. In any case, we were not long putting up the Yankee 3 and repairing the Two as best we can.

And so it goes. That’s ocean racing. But still we have been luckier than some of the other boats in terms of damage.

Roll on Honolulu!

Catherine & Paul

1. Georgie, Delissa, Judy, and Arthur, London 12 March 2008

We all think you are doing really well and marvel at your great adventure. We all completely agree with your comments yesterday about the race. One of our number came about 55th out of 70 odd yachts in a Trans Pac Race back in the mists of time and it was absolutely about the experience, we were very proud to sail past Diamond Head! nothing to do with where we came ( just as well I suppose! )
Your blogs, emails, photos etc really help us to visualise what you are up to.
We wish you all lots of luck and think what you are doing is completely wonderful.
xxxxfor Catherine and for anyone else who needs one.

2. Julia, WINCHESTER 12 March 2008

Hi Maria and team,

Hope all is well. Been following you progress with interest. Can’t wait to hear the next installment and see you back on dry land! I’m sure the team know your birthday is soon, but many happy returns if I haven’t heard from you personally by then.

Hope you haven’t been too sea sick.

Love and hugs

Julia. x x

3. Karen, Mike, Haydn and Charlie, Billinge, England 13 March 2008

Hi and fair weather to you all but most especially our friend and neighbour Nessy (Andrew Neshausen)

We havent seen his name mentioned in dispatches so assume he has been on his best behaviour. There are a couple of cold ones waiting for you Andy when you get home. We would all love to hear how youre getting on.

Hope you are having a fantastic time (we are all very jealous) and look forward to hearing all about the experience.

Good wishes from Billinge Karen, Mike, Haydn and Charlie xxxx
P.S. Rosie sends a lick too

4. Byron Collins, Mexico 13 March 2008

What happened to the entry for the 12th and 13th??? I can only guess you’ve all been too busy racing. Reading your daily blog during my morning coffee has become a ritual..looking forward to the next instalment.

Just a couple of personal notes to Andy Pandy from the UK.

You forgot to pay the rent before you left so Linda is threatening to sell your surf board and mountain bike plus your pets, dolly the sheep and moosey the moose are missing you and both pine during the night, longing for your return!!!

Oh and bumped into gaymears the other day and he sends his regards.

All the best

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