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Saturday, June 24, 2000 |
The wind outside the gate was from exactly where we wanted to go, of course, and so most of the fleet headed off to the south. After a bit, heading to the northwest seemed a better choice, and the wind eventually shifted to the north a bit, and one could sort of point the boat towards Hawaii.
The winds have dropped to 6 knots or less overnight. This has been frustrating, since close reaching into light shifty winds is hard on both boat and skipper. One unpleasant side effect is that the shifting wind will occasionally tack the boat, and the autopilot cannot fix it. You then crawl out of your bunk, where you wearily lay down 5 minutes before and stagger on deck to tack back onto the desired tack. The wind will usually rise a bit, and the boat will look like a champion. So you head below, lie down again, and 5 minutes later the same thing happens again. As you can imagine, most people were a little groggy this morning at role call. It could be worse: beating into 40 knots with big seas; another popular option that Posideon likes to offer singlehanders.
As those loved ones and camp followers of the SSS skippers probably noticed, things were very tense and harried in the week before the start. It always seems that there are too many jobs to do in the time remaining, and lurking in the back of everyone's mind are the fears and emotions attendent to embarking on an enterprise such as this. Even veterans of several races with well setup boats are not immune. The result is very cranky, tired skippers, and loved ones and supporters driven to the point of distraction. On behalf of the other skippers, and myself (certainly one of the worst offenders) may I tender our deepest gratitude. Although the boats are sailed by one person, they can only do so because of the support of many. We would not and could not be having this adventure without your help and support.
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Sunday, June 25, 2000 |
All of the racers except Georgia and Sol Man had checked in either directly or thru another racer (example - Sundowner was having SSB problems so she checked in via VHF with Orange Blossom Special and she reported her info to Mike J.)
I think Free Spirit said he was having a problem getting a position on his GPW, but was somewher SW of Farallones. Light air for everyone.
Several SSB sets not yet debugged; operators trained over VHF.
Sundowner SSB not wired well enough-work in progress. Everyone well, but tired from preparations and long night trimming sails and verbally harassing autopilots.
Additional commentary in separate file (below).
Regards, Mike
The winds have picked up a bit. Today the sailing conditions were pretty good, although the wind is still pretty light, with 8 to 10 knots true being reported. The wind direction is very flukey, and seems to be getting more flukey as the evening wears on. The wind has gone more northerly, finally, and is currently at 306 magnetic where Foxx Fyre is (give or take 20 degrees or so!).
Pretty routine so far.
Bill on Tainted Love seems to have fried his solar panel, or at least the wires for it. He will try again tomorrow to get it to work. His engine charger seems to work well, though.
Steve on Sol Man is still assembling the boat and doing wiring jobs while underway. Being notorious for working on the boat up to the last minutes before departure it warms the cockles of my heart to hear that someone else has similar problems.
Betty, Captain Ron's (of Still Crazy) blowup doll did the check-in tonight. It seems she has Captain Ron tied up or something.... The boat name says it all.
Tree Champagne on Fisheye has turned south, since her strategy of heading west north of the Farallones to get better wind offshore has not paid off.
Most of the SSB's are now working pretty well. Anna on Sundowner found the magic switch that allows her to transmit, and joined the net tonight. For those at home we meet on 4024 kHz USB at 0900 and 1930 PDT. Please feel free to listen in and say hi after the check-ins. We have a backup frequency of 8131 kHz for 0930 and 2000 PDT which we will use later in the trip to talk to boats too far to reach on 4 MHz.
That's all for now. I'm still getting used to being at sea again. I believe the operative quote is something like "Any man who would go to sea for pleasure would go to hell for a vacation", or perhaps it is "Going to sea is like going to jail, but with the added risk of drowning".
All the best,
Mike Jefferson
I CAN SEE MORE WITH MY EYES CLOSED!
Oh there is the intense bioluminesence shimmering in the wake. For a bit of hydrodynamics education just peak over the side to view the foilsas d
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Monday, June 26, 2000 |
Tawodi was flying 2000 square feet of assymetrical kite earlier today, but the wind went forward and he is now reaching with a jib.
Anna on Sundowner reports that her tack fitting for her assymetrical kite was ripped off by the tow to the start. She will attempt to jury rig something, but says her options are limited.
Tree Champagne on Fisheye reports getting 7 hours sleep last night while the boat tracked like it was on rails. She discovered in the morning that the autopilot was disconnected!
It has been pretty cold and dank out here. We are all longing for sunny warm weather. The sea is that deep blue/cobalt color you only see offshore. Swell is a few feet, very gentle. I have not yet taken any water onboard! We have been handled gently on this trip so far, discounting the light airs.
A lot of people are eating Poptarts this trip. I have yet to eat one, and have subsisted on my sister's cinnamon rolls and my mother's roast beef sandwiches. All good things must end, and I guess it is the "Pride of Kellogs" for breakfast tomorrow.
All is well out here.
Bye for now. Mike
The wind is slowly going north, and the wind speed is rising a bit. Several boats had sun for part of the day-a welcome change from the overcast conditions so far.
Several boats have seen whales, and Leilani Too sailed right through a pod of what might have been pilot whales sleeping on the surface. He reports passing within 15 feet of them.
Roper is back to eating what he cals "dog food". In this case, hot tomales.
People are already starting to count off the miles left. In a few days we will transmit this data along with positions.
No big adventures, hallucinations or flying fish yet, unfortunately. So far things have been pretty pleasant, although cold.
I hope to write a short note on life aboard the communications boat. It is pretty funny, all the hoops I leap through at the comm center.
Regards to all, Mike
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Tuesday, June 27, 2000
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We still have not heard from Space Cowboy.
It was a reasonably quiet night with not much change in weather. The wind is still light, and somewhat forward of the beam. Most boats are jib reaching. Stephen on Tawodi flew a big assymetrical kite all night, but reports that it had no real advanage and he ripped it on the pulpit.
This morning Anna on the Santa Cruz 50 Sundowner is flying a big assymetrical. It appears that the lead boats are getting into the region where spinnaker reaching will work.
Most of the fleet is a little frustrated with the gentle conditions. Boats are clustered a little out from what their ratings would imply.
Sea fever is starting to take hold, with several really BAD jokes being told on the SSB net. These jokes involved chickens, and frogs, and no more will be said about them.
All for now.
Mike
Anna on Sundowner reports finding the torque tube bolts for her Harken furler on the deck and the torque tube essentially detached.
Bill, on Tainted Love had the exact same thing happen yesterday. He has effected a jury repair with some smaller screws, duct tape, and goo. Lacking a drill, and any sort of screw collection, he had to go with what he had. We all hope it works!
Captain Ron on Still Crazy hosted a story hour on the SSB frequency before the check-in, and we heard some great stories, and a wonderful poem from Stephen on Tawodi. The Tahiti Nui Bar is in for a beating when this crew arrives!!
Regards to all, Mike
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Wednesday, June 28, 2000
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" I have a feeling that David's VHF may not be working properly. He could hear my calls from the GGNRA as they went out the Gate, but I couldn't hear his reply (tho I could hear numerous other boats' conversations). Also, when AXA Pacific was next to him, David couldn't reach him on VHF. So, looks like David's emails are likely to be it for his communication. "
According to today's weather surface chart, we are starting to climb onto the ridge of high pressure extending off towards Mexico. It looks like the wind will definitely veer more to the north and then east as we cross the ridge. This of course, assumes that the high maintains it's shape and continues to evolve into the Pacific High we know and love. Whether it will, and we will someday arrive in Hawaii, or whether it won't and we will be out here until Christmas is anybodies guess.
This morning, as fate would have it, Tainted Love, with Bill Stettiner, the master Haiku wordsmith aboard, came int radar range of Foxx Fyre. Bill had had all the screws fall out of the torque tube on his Harken roller furler, the other day, and had no spares. He had made a rather tenuous jury rig with some smaller screws and tape, but it was clear that this would not last through any really bad weather. So this morning at roll call, Foxx Fyre asked permission of the fleet to provide Bill with the #10-32 allen head screws he needed to fix the furler properly. The universal consensus of the fleet on both VHF and SSB was "Screw HIM!!", which I took as permission to pass the screws to him.
We rendevoused and after a bit of dancing in the rather light airs and lumpy sea, I was able to get a heaving line onto his boat. The screws were attached in a plastic bag, and he pulled them over, and then returned the heaving line. After a few manly poses were struck and photos taken, we reset sails and are now on slightly diverging courses.
Bill reports that the screws worked like a champ, and he has locktited them in, and then backed up the system with a wrap of tape around the torque tube to contain the screws should they loosen in the future.
Bill looked very good, and sends his love and kisses to his friends and loved ones.
Everyone sounds pretty good. We all wish for more wind, but the mood in the fleet is patience and trying to have a good time regardless.
Surprisingly, the most impatient sounding person is our relaxation and party chairman Stephen Mann on Tawodi. Bearing an uncanny resemblence to Spaceman Spiff, Calvin of Calvin and Hobbs's alter ego, Stephen has brought a wonderful sense of fun to the race. With his fabulous CD collection, huge stereo, beautiful boat, and sparkling personality, he has been able to calm even the most jangled nerves before the start.
He is a really accomplished rigger, and has helped many of the fleet with rigging problems. Apparently he has Tawodi set up for serious wind and downhill sailing, and is chafing a bit under the light airs we have had so far. Anyway, when we hit the trade winds, I am sure he will be able to let Tawodi off the leash and rock and roll.
Last night I only ran the A/P & STROBE & CARD to save resourses.
That is after the melt down! I don't recall if hallucinations are considered outside help.
Thanks Matt.C & Rick.L for working the boat & keeping watch.
Is Rick.L ok? I thought he was MOB but didn't hear a splash.
Matt.C didn't stop roving the deck so I guess all was ok.
-GW
The weather is definitely getting windier, and a little warmer. Gear issues are also starting to surface. Adventures abound.
Today Spaceman Spiff, alias Stephen Mann, on Tawodi, completely destroyed his 0.6 poly spinnaker, andd reset the 1.5 oz assymetrical he had torn last night. After it was flying, he decided that the torn part, a rip in the tack patch, was threatening the luff strength and that he should reinforce it. A man of lesser mettle might have dropped the kite and done it on deck, but Spaceman Spiff laughs at danger! Stephen is using a humungous oversized spinnaker pole, and true to his instincts as an ace rock climber and thrill seeking mountain bike rider, Spaceman Spiff decided to climb out to the end of this monster spar and sew on a reinforcement while flying this 2000 square foot death trap. To our collective horror, he casually mentioned that he had done this without the aid of a topping lift or halyard as a lifeline.
Captain Ron on Still Crazy put it
best when he observed to the rest
of the stunned fleet that it was a real pity that people that don't sail
seriously in the ocean could never
really appreciate just what Stephen had accomplished. Imagine hanging
onto a slick, wet spinnaker pole,
a few feet above ocean swells flying by at 10 knots, with the boat
heaving and yawing as the swells pass
by, all the while sewing on a patch with the third and fourth hands.
Well, he has survived worse...
Today, chance brought Foxx Fyre and Tainted Love within visual contact during morning roll call. Bill the Haiku Master of the fleet had had all the screws fall out of the torque tube of his Harken furler. (the subject of last night's poem). Not having the correct screws, he did the best jury rig he could, but it was a foregone conclusion that it would eventually fail in high winds.
Foxx Fyre happened to have some of the correct size Allen Head screws, and after getting verbal consensus of the fleet during roll call, it was decided to pass them to Bill and let him fix the furler.
So Tainted Love and Foxx Fyre had a little danceing session today, with Foxx Fyre coming up under Bill's lee side and throwing a line with the screws taped to the end in a plastic bag to him. Bill reeled the screws in and then ducked my transom and passed the line back to Foxx Fyre. This all had to be conducted in lumpy seas with about 15 knots of wind from abeam and sealed props. Not really a stupendous feet of sailing skill, but being side to side with another boat 15 feet away in swells, 500 miles offshore, does provide for entertainment.
Bill reports that the screws worked perfectly, and that he has ingested enough Blue Locktite (he held the bottle in his mouth, and clenched in a swell-you gotta love singlehanding...) to keep his innards firmly anchored for the indefinite future. Since loctite will release when heated, the suggestion was made that he ingest some peppers.....
Bill also reported finding his friend Roger's leatherman tool on the deck, covered in rust, where it had apparently been left while rigging the boat before departure. Bill remarked that it was a sign of how mild the conditions had been for us leaving the coast.
The hotshots like Ken Roper are flying chutes.
It will be interesting to see if their strategy of heading south to get the necessary wind angle will pay off for them.
The next few days will be critical, as the real racing gets going. Conditions so far have left few options.
Best wishes, Mike Jefferson
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Thursday, June 29, 2000
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The wind was continually shifting from deep running to reaching at 60 degree apparent wind angle. The tough guys running chutes (Tawodi, Sundowner, etc) report spending most of the night setting chutes, and dousing chutes for white sails, usually just out of phase with the wind shifts.
Ben on Georgia reports that he has broken his alternator bracket and may have to do a lot of hand steering. He thought he would be able to keep running lights and radios functional.
Lots of grumpy people on the net today. We are all looking forward to crossing the ridge and having stable wind angles.
More later this evening. Mike
Greetings from Velocious.
I've been flying the kite now. Wind on the beam. Speed without kite 6.5 with 7.5-10.
1600Miles to go and the rudder bearings are squeeking!
Sounds worse below of course along with all the other groans n creeks.
It's darn hard to fly a kite at nite without stars or moon ... driving by compass gets old fast.
-gw
Anna on Sundowner, flew her chute all day, and only took it down this evening as she is starting to see squalls.
The lead boats probably will hit the trade winds tomorrow or the next day, and then we should see what they can really do under spinnnaker!
In the mean time, we are just slugging it out in the"slotcars". Anna has programmed a computer to figure out, on the basis of our morning positions, how we are doing in the race, and how we have done in the last 24 hours.
Fisheye had a 138 nm run in the last day, and seems to be one of the top boats in the distance covered category. Sail a Vie is also doing very well. Phil seems to be driving the boat very well. Thats all for this evening. We await the trade winds with high expectations.
Mike Jefferson
Of more concern is the plight of Killer. Jim reported to Foxx Fyre, via Tainted Love, that he was short of electricity. Further questioning has established that he has only 12 hours more charging fuel for his Honda type generator, which apparently puts out only a measly 8 amps. This is 100 Amp Hours left for the 1500 odd miles to Hawaii. He has an Autohelm 5000, which eats power, and no windvane, so it is pretty clear that he will soon be handsteering all the way. He has a solar panel, but it apparently is cracked. Under an optimistic scenario, he might get 10 amp hours per day out of it. In short, he is going to be spending a lot of hours at the helm on a dark boat.
We chatted about the problem in the SSB net, and the consensus was that he would have to deal with it. Jim seemed optimistic. I expect that we have a mini-epic on our hands. In any case, it will slow him down. The most optimistic projection has him arriving in 10 days (unlikely), but it could be longer by a week or so. He does have a functional SSB and VHF. We advised him to conserve a significant amount of his charging fuel for the end of the trip, so as to have the radios near land, and also to go on immediate power rationing. Unfortunately he appears to have a poor understanding of his energy budget and the current draw of the various pieces of equipment onboard.
I believe that a detailed energy budget and generation scheme should be a prerequisite for the race. Something to discuss later. I don't know how long we will be able to stay in contact. If you have anything to say or ask, or any input, get it to me fast (David Seaton can contact Mike Jefferson via email and Bob Morrow can contact Mike Jefferson via SSB), so I can call him while we still can reach him.
We have not heard from Sol Man, who was also having some electronics problems, and radio problems. I do not feel that his were as serious as Killer's though. We will just have to stay on top of it.
On the bright side, Greg Morris is still doing well with his radios, and we get contact daily; so it CAN be done. These ultralight people have a peculiar approach to a big ocean passage.....
Mike
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Friday, June 30, 2000
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Ed English on Orange Blossom Special Special had an adventure last night. During a squall with true wind over 27 knots, he decided to take off his 125% jib and put up something smaller. He was sitting on the foredeck straddling the sail and choking it into submission with a sail tie when a large, unseen wave hit the bow. Before Ed knew what was happening he found himself being washed head over heels into the leeward lifelines. He was tethered to both the jacklines and a windward stanchion, and was thus still attached to the boat, but he was very clear that without the netting installed by his wife Judy, he would have washed through the lifelines and been dangling from his tether over the side. As it was, the netting caught him and he was left with nothing more than some thoughts about how it could have been and profound gratitude for Judy's work.
Ed collected himself and went below for a cup of tea and a few hours of quiet time.
Boats continue to experience electrical problems. Several of the ultralights are having a tough time keeping batteries charged.
Killer is on very low electron rations, but is cheerful and has a solid plan for finishing the race. He checked in this morning and sounded good. He was about to set a chute and start handsteering to Hawaii.
Jay Capell on Leilani Too reported that he was having a charging problem, but that he was steering fine under Monitor windvane (a purely mechanical system that requires no electrical power), and was doing well. He seemed to feel that things were fine, but warned us that his check-ins might be less often and not to worry.
Many boats are being pelted with squid. More than one racer regretted not having a skillet, some garlic and oil. I think that poptarts are starting to wear thin as high cuisine. There was much discussion on how to prepare calamari on the net this morning.
Phil Macfarlane on Sail a Vie had a tough day yesterday. Among other adventures, when he went to drop his 150% jib (on a furler), he found it wouldn't come down due to a fouled halyard aloft. As he worked to clear it, it suddenly unjammed and the large heavy sail ran out of the luff groove on the furler and fell in the water. It was still connected to the furler at the tack and head, but getting it back aboard was a real struggle.
ATT's decision to terminate KMI and other marine radiotelephone services is being felt by the fleet. The sole remaining radiotelephone service is WLO in Alabama, and their hours and availability are much less convenient than KMI used to be. A sad loss of a fine service to all mariners.
On Foxx Fyre, we are rolling along with a jib poled out to windward, a flying jib to leeward and the main guyed forward on a preventer with a "fuse" of 1/8" dacron to prevent boom damage. This is a nice robust setup that will allow me to sail with the wind from almost 90 degrees to about 20 degrees by the lee without changing sail trim or broaching. It is great for when you want to get some sleep!
I am still seeing huge wind shifts in direction and strength, and at this point flying a chute would be more trouble than it would be worth.
Roper on Harrier has been flying chutes for several
days, and I have almost caught
him to his great irritation.
Hahahahahaha.
Most people who have flown chutes have had problems.
Tawodi has exploded on kite and damaged
another.
Anna on Sundowner spent several hours trying (successfully) to get a
spinnaker wrap off her forestay.
Dwight on Na Na tore a bit of the foot (repairable) of his chute. He just
reported as I was about to send this, that a kite had blown up into tiny
pieces appropriate for dingy sails. It was a used chute, so no harm
done. He sounded more amused than upset.
No one has reported that they were easy or fun to fly!
Well that's all for now.
We could really use some sun. I am starting
to look like a troll.
Mike Jefferson
If only y'all could see the cockpit now.
Cans of Redbull, premade 1.5L bottles of water n Tang, Cliff
Bars Trailmix etc. litter the area ready for munching when the surfing is hot n heavy.
Life of a sailing bum!
Boats with electrical problems include Killer (short on fuel to charge), Georgia (broken alternator bracket),Sol Man (unknown radio/electrical problem), Leilani Too (seems to have an electrical drain and cannot get engine to start due to low battery).
These boats, although somewhat compromised,have solar panels and some have monitor wind vanes. I think they will be fine.
Foxx Fyre came back from Hawaii with a compromised electrical system, and sailing a dark boat is very annoying, but very reasonable, for a well prepared boat. The boats in this race have the tools and skills to finish the race in good order.
We are keeping a close radio watch to keep an eye on them.
I am sending a poem recited in splendid fashion by Captain Stephen Mann of Tawodi to the fleet at evening check-in. He cannot recall the exact title, but it is by Masefield.
It is hard for someone not involved in the process to understand how one's world collapses at sea, and eventually encompasses the boat, the ocean, weather charts, and the intermittent contacts with one's competitors or loved ones back home.
Essentially all of the superfluous is distilled away, leaving the essence of what it is to be alive.
Senses take on a keener edge. Emotions soar and crash over small things- a torn sail or a splendid poem.
Relationships become more intense, and the perceived value of things changes. There is a comraderie with all sailors, past and present that one becomes aware of.
Although technology has allowed us to do many things easier and more safely than in the days of the square riggers, the sea is the same, and when alone in the middle of the ocean one can touch the spirits of our predecessors.
For myself, this race is also an opportunity to re-establish contact with aspects of the human experience that Silicon Valley buries with frenetic activity and constant stimulation. A chance to ponder things and to stare at the endless ocean swells.
Now if only the darn sun would come out I could work on my tan.
Mike Jefferson
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Saturday, July 1, 2000
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I believe Foxx Fyre is across the so called Ridge, although the weather fax suggessts they keep moving the goal posts.
It is getting harder to contact the VHF boats now, as we spread out along the course.
A fairly quiet night, although Tawodi reported jumping on a few squalls and getting some fast speeds for a while.
Sundowner and Joe both report crossing the half way point. Soon we can all open the halfway gifts so thoughtfully given us by the race committee.
It is raining now as I type this, but some mellow jazz piano and a good cup of tea make the mornng very pleasant.
The 96 hour prognosis received this morning suggests that a really strong high is building. The second half of the race may be as windy as the first half was calm.
On Tawodi, a ritual wind ceremony was held, which Stephen predicts will allow him to use his white sails to good effect the rest of the way. He may be right...
Captain Ron on Still Crazy has apparently fixed his Alpha auto pilot, with help from Anna over the radio, and is happy to be able to give up hand steering for the moment.
Killer was copied by Sensei, and reports heaving-to for some sleep, and that he feels good.
On Fisheye, Tree reports a day of deck work. She is planning to hoist the twin jibs today, and rig a few lines that didn't get run before the start.
A quiet day so far. All the best,
Mike Jefferson
Howdy all, we're fast approaching 140 long..
The halfway point, although it feels like the 75% point,
in theory it should all be down wind from here.
I've been totaly isolated from communication except through email, so i have no idea my overall performance.
Weather o/c wind var 4-15 mostly lighter. The boat is pretty difficult to deal with as she keeps catching up to the wind then slatting about.
In hind sight rhumbline was the ony practical course.
I'm paying for going south.
-gw
Dwight on Na Na entertained us with his excellent voice, doing a rendition of something about a man named Slim.
Anna and Stephen on Sundowner and Tawodi harmonized on another piece, and Captain Ron on Still Crazy did, well... you just had to be there.
Dirk Bloodbath, Danger Man alias Bill on Tainted Love entertained the fleet with some big band tunes over the VHF.
We are planning to use Bill, who used to be an unarmed combat instructor in the Marines as our bodyguard in the Tahiti Nui bar, a role he seems eager to play.
Jim on Killer was contacted and sounds pretty good. Since he is short on electrons, he is having to mostly hand steer his Express 27, and heave-to to sleep. He reported that except for the left arm being 4 inches longer than the right, and a left bicep of which Popeye would be proud, he is doing very well and having fun.
Barry on AXA Pacific blew up his new 3/4 oz chute today to his considerable dismay.
Ben on Georgia who also is suffering from power problems continues to stay in touch, and has a power budget he thinks will see him to Hawaii ok.
Dwight on Na Na reported sailing into a Bermuda Triangle event today. For no apparent reason all his instrumentation crashed at the same time, and all his GPS units (3) reset simultaneously. Since he had a chute up at the time, a lively dance on the foredeck ensued. Various suggestions ranging from alien invasion, nuclear weapon EMP, or atomic submarines have been advanced as possible causes.
Bettina is 1 nm SE of Sensei.
Captain Ron reports finally getting His Olsen 30 into racing trim with the installation of his custom racing bimini sun awning.
We had no contact with Jay on Leilani Too, but are confident that he is doing ok.
The weather has been well suited to Monitor windvanes, and the seas are mild. Talk is also turning to food and spirits-the drinkable variety. There is going to be some serious gluttony and debauchery in Kauii if all the threats and plans are carried out. Lock up the wives, liquor, and little children!
Well, another day grinding out the miles waiting for more wind. The surface prognosis suggests that we will have plenty in a few days. People seem to be having fun, in spite of the frustrations of squirrely winds and ripped spinnakers.
All the best for now! Mike Jefferson
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Sunday, July 2, 2000
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We heard from Jay Capell on Leilani Too today. He reports that he is fine and doing well. His position was not that far from Foxx Fyre (about 10 miles). He has electrical problems, but is doing ok with the Monitor windvane. His position indicates that he is coping well with this adversity.
Jim on Killer reports doing a 20 hour stint on the helm yesterday, and after 4 hours of sleep will go for the same today. He is doing well, sounded great.
Harrier broke a small twinger block, but replaced it with a bigger one.
Captain Ron on Still Crazy sunburned his butt......
Dirk Bloodbath, Danger Man (alias Bill Stettiner on Tainted Love) sends
this haiku to an undisclosed
fan:
Sunset, I am here.
Clouds occlude my view of you.
You are still lovely.
I saw sun this morning. The first real sunrise of the trip. There are broken clouds today.
All is well. Mike Jefferson
I've been hand steering the big kite since sun up, consuming No-Doze & Red Bull.
NAVI (navico) IS steering now so I can get some food and shut eye. It's weird to hear the sheets creaking from below as the boat occasionally surfs to 11+KTS unmanned!
Passed 140W the half way mark this AM. Haven't opened anything yet.
-GW
Wind is 8-18tr sailing 235d. 1097nm togo!
I've learned to sleep for 1-3hrs at a time mostly at night. If I can't see past the bow anyhow what diffrence does it make to not look all night?
-gw
Position @1600 PDT.29.16 N Lat. 142:56W Long.. Moving ok, hdg. 240 @ 7.
Light fluky air. Constant attention.
Pilot-boat are fine.
How is fleet?
barry
Yes. (Web Ed Note: to Jean Novotny, perhaps regarding using email to report his position.)
I consider it as a safety net in away. For myself, I've been southern most boat for days and have been out of VHF contact for some days as well.
GW/Velocious
VHF works fine. I'm out of range.
Please allow time to build 1000ft antenna!
Ron on Still Crazy had his old friend 1/2 oz chute go to handkerchief heaven today during a gybe.
Anna got an alien make-up kit in her half way present. She wondered if there was a hidden message there, but the fleet reassured her that women driving Santa Cruz 50's solo and vieing for first to finish were as common as clams and she should ignore the implications of the kit.
The squalls have started in earnest for Foxx Fyre. There is a real big one just to starboard as I type this, and the wind is fluctuating from 5 knots apparent to 20, while the apparent wind oscillates about 45 degrees each side of dead downwind. Scary sailing with two 120% jibs on poles and a full main, running dead down wind. It is going to be an interesting night. I get a small warning before each blast, because the wind generator goes from silent to whistling like Jack the Ripper on his way to work.
There was sun today, and the temperature warmed up enough to remove most of my clothes. What lay beneath them is a sight best not described, so I took the opportunity to clean up a bit. Stephen on Tawodi took a bucket bath today. Perhaps I will try it tomorrow if the sun is warm.
We have been assaulted nightly by small squid, about 4 to 5 inches long. They are all about on deck in the morning. They are quite pretty, with huge shiny eyes, and cute little tentacles. Stephen on Tawodi got a miniature skateboard in his half way present, and is planning to teach one of them to skateboard.
Dwight Odom continues to amaze us with his excellent singing on evening roll call. Terry McKelvey, who is only a few miles behind Foxx Fyre, is really doing a great job, and looks like a real contender for overall corrected. Tree Champagne on Fisheye, reports that her setup of twin jibs on poles and mainsail with Monitor windvane is really just the ticket, and is making good speed on a rhumbline course.
Today was a rather peaceful day, with sun, good music, some miles under the keel, and good friends on the radio.
All for now,
Mike Jefferson
This is what SSS Transpac is supposed to be, right... sitting here in the comfort of the nav station, sipping vino, watching a beautiful sunset, all the while surfing under a full size kite @7-13kts by autopilot! 27ft ULDB bliss!
Yeah eventually the boat may crash hard, but if that were a big concern would I be here?
Crashed pretty hard two nights ago while hand steering. Lost a couple bags of susies home made cookies n some redbull, picked up a bunch of squid.
-GW
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Monday, July 3, 2000
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It was Mr. Toad's Wild Ride last night. About sunset the wind and seas came up quickly, building to about 30 knots true. The seas were confused and lumpy, with a trade wind swell starting to develop. The boats were all being thrown around, and running hard.
Halfway through the evening there was a wind shift to the east, and many boats had to gybe. Big fun in a lot of wind.
Ron on Still Crazy carried a small chute all night, as did Color Blind, and Velocious. Ron reported some of the best sailing of his life. He was really excited at roll call, but then, he is Still Crazy.
The halfway presents are being opened. Bill, the Calamari Cowboy, on Tainted Love, got a talking mechanical dog, some chocolate covered espresso beans and a Penthouse magazine. Individually harmless gifts, perhaps, but eat the beans, look at the magazine, and then torment Foxx Fyre all night on the VHF with alternate shots of mechanical dog barking and vague cackling noises. It was a whee of an evening...
All the best,
Mike Jefferson
I've jury rigged a piece of the track with one car. Even to the gooseneck and strapped on with 1/8 inch tech12.
I've got to rest and eat before attempting to set a kite again. I was eating a can of cold chili when the crash occured.
Earlier the boat had surfed with max kite in 26tws with no problems, autopilot driving. It was a little on the edge!
-gw 981 togo
I fixed the boom with a splint and 5 hours later was back rolling along with a reefed main.
I was unable to run the full main for the remainder of the race.
This morning, Bill on Tainted Love reported his tiller head had twisted on the rudder shaft, rendering the rudder useless. He was able to reposition and rebolt it, and added a drilled bolt into the shaft. He reports it is working fine.
Captain Ron on Still Crazy broke the boom today, but the canny man had a sleeve already made for it, and after his first repair using poprivits blew up in minutes, he resorted to drilling and tapping screws. He reported after checkin that the boom was on, the mainsail was up and he was back in business.
The motto for ex-Marines Bill and Ron today was "Semper Gumbi" which means "always flexible".
GW on Velocious tore the spinnaker pole track off his mast while blasting along at double digit speeds under full size chute. He reports reattaching part of the track at the area near the gooseneck, and is continuing to rock and roll.
Tawodi ripped several jibs, and also tore a mast step off the mast when the heavy 150% jib backwinded and caught on it. Stephen is systematically shredding his entire sail inventory. To keep spirits up, he sang the "Choo-Choo Boogie" tonight on the check- in.
Anna on Sundowner, although in a tight race with Chuck on Joe for line honors, found time to catch a 2 foot dorado today. She reports that she got 2 nice fillets out of it. She had previously lost three tuna when the hooks ripped out due to Sundowner's high speed.
Dan on Free Spirit sounded upbeat today. He is flying a 150% jib and mainsail, and reported seeing numerous flying fish.
We talked to Killer and Leilani Too. Both are doing fine and keeping up with the fleet.
Sailing today was not for the faint of heart. We are entering the trade wind belt, and a very strong high pressure has them really blowing hard. We are running in 20 to 30+ knots true wind and very lumpy, poorly organized seas. It is really uncomfortable, and hard on man and boat. About every half hour, Foxx Fyre puts the windows in the water after getting out of phase with the waves and getting broached. The seas are like large haysacks, coming from several different directions. The wave height is several meters, and squalls have been hitting all day.
Basically, nasty sailing conditions, and gear breakage is easy to do. There are some big boat speeds during surfs, and big forces when the boats faceplant. Foxx Fyre has a small jib to windward, a 120% jib to leeward, and a doublereefed main strapped down tight on the centerline to act as a riding sail. This has helped control the roll (Foxx Fyre is old IOR broach coach), and doesn't slow the boat at all. The increased stability actually improves VMG, since the boat tracks better. Thanks to Spaceman Spiff on Tawodi for the tip.
We all hope to see the sun soon, and hope the swells will join a union or something and get better organized.
All the best,
Mike Jefferson
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Tuesday, July 4, 2000
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fast night...slow morning...T
He reports that he is fine, and in spite of the many repairs has made excellent progress towards Hawaii, with only 797 miles to go. I am sure when we hear the whole story we will be amazed.
Tawodi had a busy night, as the Sobstad Genesis sail that he had bought just for this trip blew up completely, fouling his furler and wrapping the rig with pieces of mylar. After hours aloft, Stephen has managed to free the remains of the sail and take it below, although he confessed to having to overcome an overwhelming urge to pitch the treacherous sail overboard.
Stephen still has another complex trip aloft to recover the furling seivel and to clear some halyards.
People generally reported wild nights, even with twins flying.
Foxx Fyre was spared until during morning roll call, when the wind shifted 90 degrees and increased to 30 knots apparent. After a few wild swings, the autopilot lost it and we careened about the ocean, washing the cabin windows and flailing about. After a few minutes, I got the boat back on track and the wind settled back to an approximation of the easterly direction we had enjoyed all night.
The VHF fleet is being separated far enough that check-in is not possible for most boats. As we approach Hawaii and courses converge, we may pick them up again. Many have the Magellan email system, and we may hear from them in that way.
We are entering the final leg of the race - the push down the trades.
The lead boats will be finishing
in a few days, while for some of us it may be a week or so.
Lets pray
the Trade winds keep blowing!
All the best,
Mike Jefferson
Foxx Fyre continues with 2 120% jibs poled out and a second reefed main strapped amidships. The water is the deep pure dark blue of offshore, and most of the fleet was in sunshine today. I saw a stormy petrel, I think, and tossed back a lot of squid during deck patrol.
The squalls are already starting to form, and the radar alarm is going off constantly with them. It could be a hard night.
The speeds across the fleet are pretty high. Tawodi reports a record for his boat (a highly modified liveaboard Wylie 39) of 15.9 knots.
Greg Morris on the Moore 24, Color Blind, reported an 18.3 knot surfing session. Still Crazy, an Olsen 30 also hit 15.9 knots.
The radio conditions were pretty poor, but there was a lot of singing going on between the boats that could hear each other. Train songs were the hot ticket tonight, perhaps because we are all going like locomotives.
We heard from Killer and Sol Man, and they seem to be doing fine.
The VHF fleet is pretty scattered and hard to reach, but we did copy Velocious and Tainted Love.
I got positions for Leilani Too and Sensei for this morning via email.
We will all try to keep the dirty side down, and see you again in the
morning!
Mike Jefferson
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Wednesday, July 5, 2000
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Sundowner and Joe are locked in a real horserace for first to finish, with only a few miles between them. It appears that they will finish tomorrow morning, if the wind holds.
Still Crazy reported hitting 16.6 knots yesterday, and I think Anna on Sundowner reported doing 22 knots.
Today looks like a repeat of yesterday, with sunshine peeking out between the last few squalls left over from the night. The sea state is a little rougher than yesterday, but not too horrible, unless one wants to make a cup of tea, at which point the boat starts yawing all over the ocean and rolling 30 to 40 degrees on each side of center.
Pouring hot water under these conditions is pretty hairy. It is really awkward in the Trades, because there is so much boat motion that anything one puts down will almost immediatly fly off to another place. It is not uncommon for all the things in the chart table pencil container to suddenly fly all overthe cabin.
Tawodi and Na Na both report blowing up Harken Black Magic blocks last night- one on a spinnaker halyard, and one on a sheet block.
Stephen on Tawodi went up the mast yesterday to retreive the furler swivel and to clean off the remains of the SObstad Genesis jib that blew up into little pieces. He reported a wild time, with the boat yawing and rolling up to 30 degrees each side.
Ken Roper on Harrier had a curious rigging problem the other day. He pulled down a jib, but it was hard to lower. When he got it down, he found that the wire halyard had somehow inserted itself in the Gemini foil, and was now completely inside the extrusion. There was no obvious way to get it out in the short term, but as he has spare halyards, it didn't sound like he was too concerned. But then not much ruffles the General's feathers, unless it is losing a few miles to a competitior.
He was NOT amused that Foxx Fyre had regained a few miles of the many he has put on me this trip. It would not surprise me if he jumped on deck after roll call to set a chute. If it were to get calm, he might swim and tow the boat with a rope in his teeth.
Even on his eighth TransPac, Roper still wants to kick some ass. He is a pretty amazing guy!
All the best for now,
Mike Jefferson
-GW
VHF radio working -69 . Haven't connected with an SSB here yet.
Saw ONE flying fish.
Q? for the fleet: where do vella-vellas go when its windy?
Did you get my AM pos?
Any new wx news?
Your analysis at checkin is much appreciated!
...T
Tawodi hit 17.6 knots. Orange Blossom Special went surfing for the fun of it and hit 13.1 knots.
We talked to both Killer and Sol Man, and they seem to be doing fine.
The weather was cool and cloudy. Where is the tropical temperatures? Tree on Fisheye is still wearing fleece.
Radio conditions were pretty poor. It is very hard to contact the VHF people, as the racers are now spread out pretty far along the course.
Sundowner and Joe are still locked in a titanic duel for first to finish and should finish tomorrow afternoon.
All the best,
Mike Jefferson
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Thursday, July 6, 2000
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Long slow night...hope this great wind we've been having is not leaving!
Any new wx news? Your analysis at checkin is much appreciated! ...T
Sundowner is only 52 miles from the finish, with Joe a scant 23 miles behind. Anna should be finished by the time this is posted.
Congratulations Anna!!
And Congratulations to Chuck on Joe, who has sailed well beyond his rating to stay as close as he has to Anna.
Last night was a beautiful evening to be at sea. Although the ride was very bumpy and there was a lot of rounding up and rolling going on, the visual experience was stunning.
I sat in the cockpit drinking a cup of cocoa, dressed only in shorts and sandals. A new moon was directly ahead, casting a silver trail over the big swells. The moon was highlighted by the usual trade wind cumulous clouds, and behind me the sky was ablaze with the stars. The moonlight illuminated the twin jibs I was runnning, and bathed the boat with a pale radiance.
The Milky way was very bright directly overhead, and one could see he different colors of the stars clearly. The boat was carving a foamy wake down the swells, with sparkling particles of bioluminescence in the clear water as if Tinkerbelle were casting them.
Foxx Fyre careened down the moonlit path, and for a while, all was well with the world.
Later I made a cup of tea. Making a cup of tea in a boat under twin
jibs in fresh tradewinds conditions
is an interesting experience.
Making a cup of tea
It is a process which makes one treasure things that at home we
take for granted.
All for now.
Mike Jefferson
Beautiful day once the squalls finally cleared.
Any new wx news? Your analysis at checkin is much appreciated! ...T
Please email Foxx Fyre. Tell him to indicate whether he can receive email msgs from Velocious. I can not receive his email.
Foxx Fyre is nearest boat (26 nm) and has diverted to assist. Unclear if there is any other damage or injuries. To the extent I could hear him, Ken appeared ok. I should be in VHF range in several hours. Currently doing 6-7 knots on course 265M. I expect to arrive vicinity of Harrier approximately 2345 PDT.
As reported earlier by race committee, Dave Bennett of Space Cowboy set off EPIRB and was rescued by naval vessel. Further information will come from race committee.
I spoke to Sol Man and Killer tonight. They are doing fine and expect no repeat of Space Cowboy difficulties.
Foxx Fyre may need to remove shaft lock to manuever to assist Harrier.
If so will note in log.
Foxx Fyre has large whisker pole, extra diesel, and other tools and parts
that may be of assistence to Harrier.
All for now. Things will be busy tonight. Kind of rough and lumpy out here, wind 20-30 true.
All the best,
Mike.
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Friday, July 7, 2000
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Roper has a jury rig set up and is doing 2.5 knots to Hawaii. He sounded tired (who wouldn't be).
Now that I am in the vicinity, he claims he has no use for extra diesel or a spare whisker pole because he doesn't want to be disqualified because he is still "racing".
I will continue to close and see if he is ok (really).
I went over here because it seemed he needed help. I hope you guys can give me some time back, because I sure ruined my so called "race" to do it.
Mike
Stephen on Tawodi reports a badly bent spinnaker pole and crushing the tip of a finger during the episode. It appears that a pole tip thought to be sufficiently high above the water dipped into the water during a broach, and when he tried to save the situation on the foredeck, he lost control of the pole and it tried to wrap around the forestay. He reports a 35 degree kink.
Foxx Fyre spent the night chasing Ken Roper in Harrier. Ken dismasted yesterday for no apparent reason while he slept. He awoke to find the boat stopped and the rig in the water. He was able to salvage the boom, and some of the rigging. Tainted Love stood by while Ken erected a nifty jury rig of two spinnaker poles in a bipod arrangement. He clipped the jaws to the toe rail and ran a line between the other jaws. With a bit of grunting, the two jaws come together and lift off the deck and are secured with stays fore and aft. Ken has a small storm jib which he has flying with the foot forward, and the head where the clew would normally be.
Although the sail is small, he was making 2.5 to 4 knots under it, and proved a difficult target to catch. After sailing all night, with numerous corrections to accomodate Ken's progress, Foxx Fyre arrived in his vicinity just after sunrise.
After taking morning roll call, Foxx Fyre sailed past Harrier and hove to under double reefed main only. Ken unsealed his prop and manuevered to leeward of Foxx Fyre to throw a line aboard. I tied a five gallon plastic jerry can of diesel to the line and Ken would pull it aboard. Although this sounds simple, a 6 foot choppy swell and 12 knots true wind made the boats hard to keep apart, and several nasty crashes were barely averted.
Pulling the cans aboard was no mean feat either, but Ken did a great job. All told we transferred 20 gallons of diesel, enough for almost 50 hours of motoring-a distance of 200-3250 miles, depending on the sea conditions. This should give Ken enough range that he only needs to sail the jury rig some 240 miles before he can motor the rest of the way with some assurance that he will make steady progress.
Ken HATED to stop racing, but the substantial distance to go (about 463 nm) proved a telling argument. Ken looked fine, was in excellent spirits, and had a well crafted, credible jury rig. If we can keep getting the 20 knot true winds we have had, he should be in Hanaleii in 5 or 6 days.
A radio schedule of 0830 and 1900 PDT on 7238 kHz LSB (a Ham frequency) was set up. Ken has a stand alone Ham antenna that loads up well on 7238 kHx. He can also transmit on 4024 and 8131 kHz, the SSB TransPac net frequencies, but the tuning is poor, and his signal is weaker.
As reported by the race committee, David Bennett on Space Cowboy was rescued after setting off his EPIRB, and is now on his way to Washington on a naval vessel. The nature of the emergency is not yet clear, but appears to be related to exhaustion and dehydration after having mechanical and riging problems.
That's all for now! I'm going to get some sleep.
Mike Jefferson
Wow the msgs have been com'n fast! I've been out of
common range with an earth station for the last five days.
For this email system to work a satellite must
be able to see me and an earth station at the same time.
Now that I've closed to 400NM to the finnish it works again.
-GW
Tree on Fisheye says that she still has good wind, but Tawodi, only 20 miles from the finish, is flopping about like a trout, and none too happy about it. The wind seems to decrease close to Kauii. We are all praying for more of the fresh trades we had earlier.
As mentioned in the last dispatch Foxx Fyre paid Ken Roper on Harrier a visit earlier this morning. Now Terry on Sensei has also gone to visit the General. In a driveby shooting, Terry reports that she got some good photos of Ken. She reports him in fine spirits and full of his usual spicy personality. He has been reading a lot, and is still churning out the miles with his jury rig. In spite of its diminutive size, Ken has been doing 3 knots for most of the day.
Jay from Leilani Too checked in on 4024 kHz SSb tonight. Although starved for electricity, he had time to say that he was well, and very much looking forward to finishing this marathon. He has less than 500 miles to go, and with good wind can be done in 4 days.
Otherwise, excepting the amorphous, dreary squalls that rain like crazy, life out here is fairly benign. We are seeing a lot of sun now, and the humidity and temperature are still going up. This morning, while transferring fuel, Roper and I both worked up quite a sweat.
These are the "just keep plugging" days. Fix the boat problems, find other ways to do the job, eat, drink, steer, sleep, dream about the afternoon parties under the tree at Hanaleii. These are the days that really cement in your mind that you have really ACCOMPLISHED something. Tedious and painful as they are, they are what validate the adventure, and for which the committment, money, preparation, sufffering, planning, and dreams were all about.
If it was really easy, there would be no lifelong memories of flying fish and trade wind seas, of squalls and nights with crystal skies, and the music of the wind.
All for now,
Mike Jefferson
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Saturday, July 8, 2000
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This morning I crawled out of my bunk in the gray dawn, and looked out the companionway. Directly behind me the sun was just peeking over the horizon through cracks in a squall. Off to port was a spectacular rainbow-not the ordinary arched type, but rather a solid huge pillar of light with very little curvature extending from the sea to a dark cloud. It was an awesome spectacle.
Last night was a very beautiful night also. Dan on Free Spirit reported seeing many shooting stars. The constellation Scorpius was particularly pretty, as we are far enough south to see it in it's entirety. It hangs in ths southern sky like a tapestry on the wall, with Antares glowing a sullen red in the center. The Big Dipper can be seen in the northern sky. At sea the sky looks much more impressive than at home or on land. The horizon is much larger, and there are no breaks in it except for clouds.
At midnight, we were sailing down the silver carpet laid down by the rapidly filling new moon. It was directly ahead, and the sails were illuminated by the moonlight. Broken clouds and stars made a beautiful background as we rolled along under twin jibs. I was haunted by a dimly remembered childhood poem about the Owl and the Pussycat who went to sea in a runcible spoon.
The last days of a trip like this are rather peaceful emotionally. Although one becomes keyed up by the prospects of arrival, one has also succomed to the rythmn of life at sea, living primarily in the moment, and only vaguely perceiving tomorrow or yesterday. Time passes quickly, as there are few features to remark upon. About the only temporal mileposts are the radio check-ins. Meals are eaten as needed; sleep when tired. The needs of the boat are the paramount driver of daily life. We read, we eat, we trim sails and navigate. Time passes seamlessly, and then one day,we arrive at our destination. Once one has accepted the ocean's pace it comes almost as a surprise to have it all end.
Mike Jefferson
I also "talked" to Clay on Bettina. Clay has a microphone problem with his SSB, but we were able to get his position by having him send dots with the SSB in CW mode which are heard as short tones. By counting the number of dots and telling him (he can still receive ok) which digits of the position to send, we were able to get his position, and also to ascertain that he is ok and doing fine. A poor man's Morse code, but effective in this case.
We were all entertained and tortured by hearing our compatriots who have finished the race on Sundowner's radio. They were all sitting around in the cockpit swilling and gorging themselves and having a whee of a time, while we drag our sorry bodies through the dying Trade winds towards Hawaii.
To really add insult to injury, they had to excuse themselves so they could go party under the tree at the Pavillion, a time honored SSS TransPac custom. Oh well, we will all be joining them in a few days.
All for now,
Mike Jefferson
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Sunday, July 9, 2000
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Greg then said, "Guess I'll go on the web. Different than doing a night watch at sea."
Harrier is doing fine. Ken has covered about 150 nm under jury rig so far, and is doing about 70 nm per day. He sounded fine this morning on 7238 kHz. He plans to start motoring if things get too light.
Killer reported seeing a green flare, and then a submarine surfaced. Details are sketchy, however, since he is on short electron rationing, and was weak to copy.
Sensei is right behind Foxx Fyre. Terry ate the last of her avocados last night. This time none of them had the opportunity to escape in a laundry basket as in 1996. They were under secure lockdown the entire trip. No more Ms. nice gal.
Today I am going to take a shower. I smell like a goat. I treated myself to a can of chili and a beer last night around 1 am. It was a pleasant break from the freeze dried meals I had been eating. Even warm, the beer was great, and a reminder that there is more to life than sitting in a fiberglass shell staring at the ocean.
Although I feel pretty calm and peaceful, with no finish line anxiety, I will be glad to anchor in Hanaleii bay and have a swim, a nice crisp salad, and a COLD beer.
All for now.
Mike Jefferson
If the wind were to hold I might actually correct out as high as 2nd in Division!
Unfortunately, I'll be spending my 28th B-day alone at sea.
Should finish early AM on the tenth.
Wind has gone light again 5-13.
While the wind is lighter life on board is easier also.
While conditions were a rippin 25-35, I actually sailed nearly 24hrs on a dbl reefed main only & still hitting 12-13NM. It was all about damage control.
-GW
Hopefully I will finish before spending that many days at sea. 160 miles to go.
Thank you Susie for the B-day box. The cabin is all decked out in streamers horns & banner, ready for a party.
Wind speed is a big 10k. btspd about 5.7. I'm about to go set the 3/4kite for the day. Handsteering for the next 10hrs!
All for now... this sugar rush is driving me crazy, I haven't been eating simple sugars for a number of weeks now.(party snacks)
-gw
Sensei has pulled up and is a mile or so off my starboard side. Although she tries to be casual about it, Terry is so happy to be kicking my butt that she can hardly talk. She is a real competitor!
Ken Roper has had a pretty slow day too. He has only made 22 miles since morning check in, but plans to start motoring this evening. He was 343 miles from Hanaleii at evening roll call.
No amazing tales today. Just trying to keep some boat speed in the light airs. Even the squalls seem a little tired today. We are all praying for a little more wind.
All the best, and congratulations to those of use who have finished
and who have nothing better to
do than call us up on the radio and go on and on about the fun parties
and sitting under the tree, and
all the food and how nice it was to have a shower, and how their loved
ones are there, and how they can't
wait for us to finish and why don't we hurry up, and on, and on,and
on..... grrrrr.
Mike Jefferson
email report from Velocious - 160 miles to go, no postition report
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Monday, July 10, 2000
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GW Grigg on Velocious arrived eleventh at 09:46:00 on July 10 - PDT
Sensei has pulled up and is now 2 miles to starboard of me. Terry and I are in a drag race to the finish, if a Yamaha 33 and a Cal 2-27 going flat out can be said to be drag racing.
Ken Roper motored for about 6 hours last night, and then the wind came in and he was able to make 3 knots with his jury rig.
I heard from Jay on Leilani Too this morning. His transmission was a little garbled due to his low battery, but his position came through clearly. He has 201 miles to go.
A whole bunch of boats should finish today or this evening. Foxx Fyre, Sensei, Velocious, Bettina, and Tainted Love are on track to make the party at the tree tomorrow.
I just got back from going on deck to adjust sails after a wind change. The sun has just risen directly behind me. The air is warm, and I was wearing only shorts and sandals. the sky is full of puffy clouds of the sort I have only seen in the trade winds, and directly ahead of me, centered on the boats course was a huge rainbow arch. It was kind of like being in the Wizard of Oz or something. Very beautiful.
Mike Jefferson
Killer and Leilani Too should finish tomorrow.
We wonder where Georgia is.
Ken on Harrier is knocking off the miles steady as clockwork. He has now done half the distance from his dismasting to Hanaleii.
I have to prepare the boat for arrival. Get out the charts, get the anchor ready, stow gear, charge the batteries.
I will try to keep the roll call going until everyone has arrived.
Thanks for following our adventures.
We do this every two years. Next time, why not join us?
Mike Jefferson
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Tuesday, July 11, 2000
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Mike Jefferson on Foxx Fyre arrived fifteenth at 02:05:15 July 11 - PDT
Morning Positions at 09:00 PDT
Jay Capell on Leilani Too arrived seventeenth at 17:36:09 on July 11 - PDT
Jim Rumer on Killer arrived eighteenth at 18:15:47 on July 11 - PDT
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Wednesday, July 12, 2000
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Thursday, July 13, 2000
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Friday, July 14, 2000 and after
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I had one full day on Kauai and then we sailed back to Oahu the next morning. If I didn't get the boat to Matson liners in time the boat wouldn't go out for another 2 weeks and I would miss the SSS Half Moon Bay Race.
It was a VERY tough ride to Oahu. 110 miles door to door. The wind was due East right on our nose and we saw 25-30 knots all night. Very wet with several feet of water coming over the deck multiple times a minute.
As for the other competitors.... some that were planning on sailing back are now going to ship. GW on Velocious took off this morning with his gal to hit Oahu to ship. Tree on Fisheye is now leaning toward leaving her boat in Oahu to come back and play this winter. Harrier (dismasted) is working on getting a trailer to ship back (he was planning on sailing back with Greg of Color Blind as crew). Terry on Sensei who was planning on shipping back got a trailer loan stateside so she is shipping back. Fred Hess is leaving soon to deliver back Anna's Sundowner. Chuck on Joe and his crew left last tues/wed? to head straight back home. Ben on Georgia is leaving at the end of this coming week.
As for return strategy.... head North for a few days and get into the high. Motor across the high and exit on the windy CA coast.
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