After 2 days of working on the boat in the marina and dodging rain squalls, we finally headed out into the Solent to get sails up and calibrate the instruments. The compass, speed were spot on, and the wind instruments confirmed it was blowy. Crew were a bit slow to get going after the long evening yesterday, some considering they were suffering from food poisoning- an unlikely theory. Rolex stickers now on the boat, food on board, save for Shelagh’s…
Pete in the aft locker disconnecting the autopilot. Triple Lindy Battle Flag Paul and Jay discussing the routing options
Day 2 of boat prep is underway in driving rain and 35 knots of breeze. The sun briefly showed so we got our battle flag launched for a brief test. The prod is on to make our Swan 44 become a Swan 50. Pete proudly leans on it. We probably stripped 1000lbs of gear off the boat so really hoping we don’t need spares during the race. All else is good and our router Paul spent a few hours…
Good grief: http://www.rolexsydneyhobart.com/news/2016/day-5/joe-mele%E2%80%99s-quest-for-a-rolex/
Grey, grey, and as bit more grey as the sun didn’t come up. Light air overnight allowed boats behind to catch up until there hit the wind hole as well – soon though the breeze built back to the 20’s and again we were sailing along at a good pace. As we closed the Tasman coast, boats started appearing from all directions, converging on the famous "Organ Pipes" cliffs. We gybed several times in really confused seas to line up…
Subject: Race Day 2 (Tuesday) Lots of sail changes through the night as the breeze shifted and lightened. As the sun came up we found Rory and Joe in the engine changing belts for some reason. This delayed the first coffee of the day to the chagrin of the crew. Breeze eased off until midday when it started building again – we’re currently mid-afternoon running along at 11 knots with an A2 spinnaker, staysail, and full main set. Tonight Boeuf…
Boxing day started out sunny and breezy as the crew headed to the boat in Rushcutters Bay. The club was teeming with sailors loading race boats, navigators dashing to the next weather briefing, and families seeing off their loved ones. The start area of the harbour was cordoned off – 3000+ pleasure boats were out watching the 90 competitors start and head out of Sydney Harbour. The start line was pretty intense as we fought for a good start in…
And so the media frenzy continues…. www.sail-world.com/150565 Pete Ramsdale | pete@sadiiqi.com | +1 441 504 7383 Warwick, BERMUDA