Crew Blog

Testing times again

15 April 2008

westernaustralia2011.com's JohnBirthdayBoy Kimber doesn't look a day over 30

Well, after our forced layover enjoying the comforts of a shore base in Hawaii, and a comfortable first few hours motoring toward Santa Cruz, we are being tested again. We have winds of up to 35 knots across the deck and a sea that is best described as very disordered, and very rough. To make matters worse, the wind is coming exactly from where we want to go, so we are in for a lot of close hauled sailing. In this sea, that means lots of banging and crashing as we drop off the back of the bigger waves.

As Marty says, it is a good test for the new mast and rigging. As we are not full on racing, we are able to carry shortened sail, and not overstress any part of the new rig. As it settles down and bits stretch we have been putting turns on various turnbuckles to keep it all tight. By Santa Cruz it should be well tuned.

Mal de Mer has also arrived to test at least some of us again. Sharon, who joined us in Hawaii, has been struggling for some days. John is feeling very poorly. Perhaps it’s still a hangover from the celebrations of his 30th two days ago. While my patch has worked so far I have also been forced to dive for the Stugeron today.

The banging and crashing also make sleep very difficult. After our very long spell from racing I for one am finding the sleep deprivation a challenge, and will be watching with interest to see how quickly various crew adapt to the difficult conditions. To top it all off, at least three of us have discovered that the waterproofing of our foulies has passed its use by date. I for one am needing dry pants and sox at the end of each watch. Let’s hope we can get some reproofing done in Santa Cruz.

Bruce Macky

1. Nigel Smith, Perth, Western Australia 16 April 2008

My thoughts are still with you as you crash your way to Santa Cruz. All the best to everybody and happy belated birthday to John Man.

Cheers,

Nigel.

2. Margaret and John Heald, Great Eccleston 16 April 2008

still watching . hope your northerly course will pay. you certainly need some more favourable winds.just tell gollum and ricky to get together with some magic or prayers.
hope both crews over sickness feel sorry for those of you that get it not been a problem for me. keep being watchfull carefull and find that wind.god bless.J & M.

3. Paul, Melbourneish 16 April 2008

All,

Keep up the good work. Am with you in spirit if not deed. Lyn - you can put your stuff back on my bunk now. Now, where did I put that laptop ?

Paul

4. Jadranka Lota, Maidenhead, Uk 16 April 2008

It sound like you are all back to norm. I think I will bring my own supply of Stugeron as it seems people might be fighting for it :-|. Can’t wait to see you all in Panama… You better not leave without me!!!!!!!!!! Love you all (and no I am not drunk)!
Hugs J

5. andi, stirling 16 April 2008

Ooh sorry to hear many of you are on the upchuck express! Sincerely hope you make it into SC v soon and get a bit of rest before the next leg. Will be watching all the way!!! Happy thoughts and settled stomachs to you all andi xxx

6. Jonathan Heath, London 21 April 2008

Nice to see the birthday photo.

Looks like sailing has bulked John up a bit!

7. Lin Marelick, Santa Cruz 24 April 2008

I’ll be at the end of the jetty at the Santa Cruz Harbor this morning to see you off to Jamaica. My best to you all and fair winds.
Lin in Santa Cruz

8. Lin Marelick, Santa Cruz 24 April 2008

I’ll be waving good-bye to all of you from the jetty at the end of the Santa Cruz harbor as you leave this morning. Best wishes and fair winds.
Lin Marelick, Santa Cruz

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