Crew Blog

Rigged jury, or jury rigging…..that’s today’s question!!!

08 March 2008

westernaustralia2011.com improves their jury rig

How can we improve on the existing rigging, Martin’s mind has been spinning all night as to the next appropriate sail configuration /improvisation to improve our speed?

With John Boy and Jack tucked up in bed after their night watches, this morning was the time for the next male bonding / brainstorming session on deck, Martin, Bruce, Chris & Paul combining their sailing & professional skills of engineering, aerodynamics & building construction. Using our newly installed “Brindex” wind indicator (named after Brian Legs 1&2) – trusty threads of wool tied from the few uprights we have left, and our patentable??? WAMS – WA Measuring String - the challenge - how to tweak existing jury rigging to improve our apparent wind. Or whose undies and bras might provide the same benefits and just how high will they need to be hoisted, this is a moment when size might be important!

Without question this leg has thrown a barrage of experiences, as to date we’d had no major equipment damage, and certainly nothing we couldn’t fix onboard, but this is the reality of ocean yacht racing – rolling with the good and the bad, Mother Nature, human behaviour and equipment breakage. Character building – bring it on, during watches we often discuss just how this adventure will change us, or if at all. My two philosophical sayings – “it’s not what happens, it’s what you do with it”; and, “you never want to die wondering”!!!!!!

He’s back....Martin is now brainstorming his latest vision / version with Bruce; we’ll keep you updated as we plough towards Midway Island.

C ya.

1. Wendy Harte, Dubai 09 March 2008

Hi to all on WA and hugs to Auntie Eileen.
Just back from a brief holiday in Malaysia so was shocked to read your news. Just so glad none of you are hurt, fingers crossed that you will soon be on your way again
Wendy

2. Nigel, Perth, W.A. 09 March 2008

I guess that black under garment in the jury rig is yours John Boy?!

3. Val Marshall, Hedon,East Yorks.England 09 March 2008

Great to see that you have not lost your sense of humour or adventure. You’re doing a fabulous job, it’s amazing what one comes up when faced with enormous difficulties. You should all be very proud of yourselves. Love to Eileen.

4. Peter Lawrence, Melbourne Australia 09 March 2008

Hello sailors, glad to hear, watch and read the great blogs, movies and messages from the Jury Room at sea. The BBB would have to be the best rigged boat in the Pacific at the moment, or was that “ we was rigged!” Jude’s tush is now nearly as smooth as a baby’s, well it was when I dressed it today and she can’t wait to get back on board in Hawaii. We wont see you there now as too short a stay, but will be in Kingston to see you take out first! Keep smiling and enjoy that bath and Billy’s great grub. Cheers, Peter

5. andi, Stirling 09 March 2008

you guys continue to amaze me! You’re making such good progress - mum, i’m shipping over one of my bras as my donation to the jury rig (ha ha)!!!!

Love and strength to you all andi xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

6. Jo Griffiths, Wales 09 March 2008

Hiya Chris
I’m sure that with all of that brain power on board, you guys will come up with a solution.
Keep powering on to Midway, you’ll get there in no time at all.
Missing you
Jo xx

7. Steve Sharpe, UK 09 March 2008

Still looking good team, I bet you get a hero’s welcome at Medway from all those Navy type’s, I have a feeling they will appreciate your adventure so far....

Steve

8. Hilary Woodley, Perth, WA 10 March 2008

i think you’ll find there’s a pair of generously sized bikini bottoms on board which might help increase sail area. last seen on a certain (male) crewmember’s head somewhere just south of singapore… h

9. D Draper, Cambridgeshire 10 March 2008

Congratulations on your brain-storming so far - you seem to be making some fairly decent speeds. I envisaged you languishing on the high seas, but you’re obviously made of stearner stuff than that. Safe sailing…

10. Sara Gaspar, Fremantle. 10 March 2008

Hi Chris

I’m very proud of you bro! You have always been the brains of the family. Keep up the brainstorming and I know you will find a way.
I’m keeping note of where you are and it’s not too far now.

Love you and Keep safe!
Sara your baby sister xx

11. Mum and Dad Silk, Tenterden Kent 10 March 2008

Hi WA...Great racing with the jury rig..you are making good progress to Midway.
Looking forward to seeing Skippers next brainwave? what will he come up with next?
Like the new sails..the bra might help but not sure about Jacks pouch!!!
How about pegging a pair of Skips old boxers to the rigging,they’ll catch plenty of breeze!
Keep up the good work..look after each other..
Much love
Mum and Dad xx
P.S.How fast can the Clippers travel under engine power?

12. Jadranka Lota, Maidenhead, UK 10 March 2008

I think asking the girls who has big panties wouldn’t be advisable unless you would like to swim after the BBB. Bras… You might survive. Maybe a sleping bag can help? Sorry couldn’t help being cheeky. I do hope you come up with the great solution and you end up being somewhere above 10th place. Sending you warm hugs from stormy and wet England
Jadranka

13. Graham Jenner, Shrewsbury 10 March 2008

A very clever blog and take my hat off to you for what you have achieved. I wish you all the best and hope you will be back fully race fit soon. Hannah Jenner’s dad (Skipper of Glasgow SwS).

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