Today we had big breeze, big waves, and a big spider… The consensus was a tarantula, although it could have been a small dog, chicken, or mongoose. The Australian contingent kept well clear, and with their experience of dangerous creatures, the rest of the crew followed suit. Out on the water we ran through the basics to make sure halyards pulled sails up, and winches were uncomfy to sit on, etc. Didn’t spend too long on the water as big…
If you were following us on the tracker you’d have seen us heading back to the USA. Last night the alternator that provides our power and ability to make water (so therefore pretty important) gave up in a spectacular fashion. No option but to head in and get it fixed. Not sure what this means for the race. All safe and sound.
Visions of a leisurely day shopping in Newport and hanging out in cafes, now that booze is out, were dashed with a 6am call to head to the boat. By midday Joe had relented and allowed a sandwich break, then up with sails and head out to test the BR0 sail as well as calibrate wind instruments. Sail test went ok, calibration was as good as we could get in the conditions. Food was stowed this morning, and just fresh…
Finally left the boat yard and after a practice sail in the bay, arrived at Newport for the next two days before the start. Feels like we are getting there – 7 long days starting at 6am are taking their toll. But not as much as the no booze for 7 days rule – the team arrived at New York Yacht Club for the opening cocktail party – the picture is of the race team with their first round of…
We are sailing, and in sunshine as well. After yesterdays rain, grey, blah day, it was nice to sail with blue skies, well at least until the thunderstorms in the afternoon. Got the new A3 up – just a sexy sail! Men, who are not usually interested in fabrics, as their ladies can attest, are suddenly admiring the material and cut of this new engine. The new halyards were stretched some more and we can start making marks on them…
Today’s work included insulating the new container (spares storage, workbench, etc.). The container will follow us around the world, with Joe threatening to install bunks for the crew to save on housing. Anyway, Pete finished work on the starboard door, and then Joe showed how it should be done on the port door. His talents are clearly wasted.
The campaign has got off to a challenging start – we are having difficulty escaping the boatyard. The usual problems getting a raceboat ready have been dealt with, but the rudder bearing keeps leaking. To fix it requires the boat to be hauled out of the water, and the rudder removed. As the hull is over 12ft in the air, this means ladders, scrissorlifts, jacks, and a copious amount of swearing. Tonight we are back in the air, but feel…