Well what can I say, you arrive in Hobart and moor up in the harbour to be greeted with 2 cases of beer. Traditional Boags beer from Tasmania. So dehydrated, and elated you drink a beer… I forced this down because I can’t stand the stuff myself! But its tradition so who am I to argue… so at 7.30am I have my first celebration beer!
We are moored next to Mustang Sally so I catch up with my old friends from the CYC, they have been in an hour or so and are pretty well into their celebrations. Plus Max’s sisters and family have all turned up dressed as pirates and are having a wild party time, its hilarious and pretty crazy!
We get sorted with clearing up the boat, or what is left of it.. this takes just under 2 hours so we are done around 9am. Then its off to my hotel, a bed, a shower fantastic… I stop off with Helen on the way for a drink we both enjoy… H on the Bacardi and coke and me on the vodka… has to be done as the beer really didn’t feel like a celebration!
We pick up our bags and head to Customs House which is already full of crew from the race and from the Melbourne to Hobart race, all at different stages in the drinking cycle, depending on the time of arrival! Unfortunately, the room isn’t quite ready so we have to wait in the bar…. Shame!
In the bar I run into the crew of True North, I know they came in before us and I owe them some rum because I ran into Les on route to picking up my bags, so good to my word I get them a jug of rum and coke so they are happy. I also find out that our upside down spinnaker hoist is legendary and was well spotted by everyone around us, who just happen to have been all the crews I met!! Very funny…
Finally the room is ready, and its fantastic to have a shower, get clean and spruced up ready for a day of celebrations. So after that straight back to the bar, meeting the rest of the crew and having a good celebration. Its not long before Skipper and first mate are a little worse for wear. But everyone is in very good spirits.
I head of to the shipwright arms in the afternoon with a few crew to meet with Bob and Jos. It’s fantastic to see then again, lots of hugging and introductions to all Bobs crew and practically everyone in Shippies! I get taken to the AFR corner, this is where the AFR Midnight Rambler crew stay and there is a photo dedication to winning the 1998 Hobart when the fateful storm hit and 6 people lost their lives. There was a lot in the press about this with it being the 10yr anniversary this year and a memorial is planned in Hobart to mark this tragedy which is always on crews minds each year of the race.
But back to the current year which carried good conditions and the celebrations in Shippies, as you can imagine this went on for a while and rather than end of night kebabs as you have in the UK, here it is pie!! So then it was back to mine and a nice bed for the night!
Unfortunately, in my celebratory state I lost my fleece jacket, so the walk home was not great… and did I mention that it was freezing… call this summer!
Tuesday 30 December 2008
Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race Finish
Once again we are hiking out hanging off the rail in the freezing cold as we are making our final approach to Hobart. We are all out there together out of our shifts from about 3am all working together for the last miles and as we work our way up the Derwent and into Hobart and the Harbour.
Tacking up the Derwent and racing the other boats as we all converge together towards the finish line we are all getting excited about finishing and keen to beat the flying fish yacht which is along side us. This is also a personal goal for both skipper and first mate having previoulsy worked for flying fish, so we are going for it big time... then nightmare again as the jib sheets break tacking up the river. Unbelievable, we are just about an hour from finish. We fix the issue but can't trust the setup, so we have to put in a place a back up, so now we have 4 sheets (instead of 2) running off the headsail in case the others break.
Its hard work but we manage it and we beat flying fish and sail into the finish line, big cheers from the crew and lots of hugs and congratulations. I think we deserve this after the whole experience, we certainly worked for the finish and never gave up despite times when morale was low due to no hot food. Fantastic experience though and a brilliant race, I loved it.... it was everything I expected and more.
We cross the line at 7:06 am on the 30th December after 3 days, 18hrs 6 mins we are 64th over the line and 21st in class out of 26. But looking at the times between places we are pretty close together in the middle of the pack. A great run given the circumstances and a testament to the effort put in to the race.... brilliant.
Tacking up the Derwent and racing the other boats as we all converge together towards the finish line we are all getting excited about finishing and keen to beat the flying fish yacht which is along side us. This is also a personal goal for both skipper and first mate having previoulsy worked for flying fish, so we are going for it big time... then nightmare again as the jib sheets break tacking up the river. Unbelievable, we are just about an hour from finish. We fix the issue but can't trust the setup, so we have to put in a place a back up, so now we have 4 sheets (instead of 2) running off the headsail in case the others break.
Its hard work but we manage it and we beat flying fish and sail into the finish line, big cheers from the crew and lots of hugs and congratulations. I think we deserve this after the whole experience, we certainly worked for the finish and never gave up despite times when morale was low due to no hot food. Fantastic experience though and a brilliant race, I loved it.... it was everything I expected and more.
We cross the line at 7:06 am on the 30th December after 3 days, 18hrs 6 mins we are 64th over the line and 21st in class out of 26. But looking at the times between places we are pretty close together in the middle of the pack. A great run given the circumstances and a testament to the effort put in to the race.... brilliant.
Monday 29 December 2008
Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race - Day 3
Today the weather starts to calm as we sail down the coast of Tasmania, we go from cold to warm as the sun comes back out again but it is still freezing in the evenings. Can't believe just how cold it can get here. We are downwind again but its not long before another spinnaker tears, this is getting a little frustrating but we bring the kite down and start to patch it up again.
The wind is dropping and very calm, reminds me of the Middle Sea a little but no where near as light a wind that was getting to no wind at some points and just bobbing. At least we are still moving although we are losing ground! As the wind dies though the best option is to bring the spinnaker down, we just can't risk it tearing again and in the light winds it is starting to wrap around the forestay. We try a different option and put up the asymmetric spinnaker, the wind direction will work so we give it a go.
Unforunately there is an issue with the spinnaker on hoisting and we have to drop again, by this time even the skipper is starting to lose patience in all the issue we are having. Not to mention we find out we are now running low on water, in this calm wind that could be an issue so we are hoping for more wind and soon. Luckily, this happens and in the evening and the wind picks up again and we are not too far from Hobart now......
The wind is dropping and very calm, reminds me of the Middle Sea a little but no where near as light a wind that was getting to no wind at some points and just bobbing. At least we are still moving although we are losing ground! As the wind dies though the best option is to bring the spinnaker down, we just can't risk it tearing again and in the light winds it is starting to wrap around the forestay. We try a different option and put up the asymmetric spinnaker, the wind direction will work so we give it a go.
Unforunately there is an issue with the spinnaker on hoisting and we have to drop again, by this time even the skipper is starting to lose patience in all the issue we are having. Not to mention we find out we are now running low on water, in this calm wind that could be an issue so we are hoping for more wind and soon. Luckily, this happens and in the evening and the wind picks up again and we are not too far from Hobart now......
Sunday 28 December 2008
Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race - Day 2
We are going well although we are quite far offshore, crossing the Bass Straits we are getting a good run just a shame we are 2 spinnakers down. But we are doing what we can with the resources we have.
Later in the day toward the evening the wind changed and we start running a little more upwind at 25-3o knots, as we continue to cross the Bass Straits. All of us are freezing on the rail hiking out, getting soaked with the heavy sea state. This is definitely a challenge and I am starting to realise that maybe I don't have enough warm clothing, and that my waterproof oil skins aren't quite up to the tough weather we are experiencing. Nothing like being cold and damp for long periods of time. But its worth it and we are racing as best we can.
Early in the day we noticed that some of the patching on the mainsail was coming lose, with the heavy weather it basically started to fall apart and during the middle of the night the mainsail tears. It has to be completely removed and we hoist the trisail (storm main sail which is very small and bright orange), we bring the sail down below and start to dry it and get ready to repair it. We don't have much left in the sail repair kit as it was used before we left on the sails that needed fixing before the race so the decision is to try something different. Gaffer tape, a spoon and a lighter... interesting. The sail is stuck with gaffer tape, the lighter heats the spoon and hte spoon melts the tape into the kevlar sail... hopefully this will stick.
It takes time to fix the sail, and time to let it dry and then put it back up again... the whole process takes a couple of hours but at least we maintain momentum with the trisail to an extent. The main back up and crisis over for the time being we get back into our shift routines. Unfortunately for poor Helen as she goes off shift she gets stuck in the heads (the toilet) when someone falls through the locked door, it takes quite a while to get her out and given her sea sickness it really isn't a pleasant time for her.
With the door problems we now have to sail with the heads door open from now on to avoid anyone getting stuck!! What more can happen, you certainly can't say that this is dull...
Later in the day toward the evening the wind changed and we start running a little more upwind at 25-3o knots, as we continue to cross the Bass Straits. All of us are freezing on the rail hiking out, getting soaked with the heavy sea state. This is definitely a challenge and I am starting to realise that maybe I don't have enough warm clothing, and that my waterproof oil skins aren't quite up to the tough weather we are experiencing. Nothing like being cold and damp for long periods of time. But its worth it and we are racing as best we can.
Early in the day we noticed that some of the patching on the mainsail was coming lose, with the heavy weather it basically started to fall apart and during the middle of the night the mainsail tears. It has to be completely removed and we hoist the trisail (storm main sail which is very small and bright orange), we bring the sail down below and start to dry it and get ready to repair it. We don't have much left in the sail repair kit as it was used before we left on the sails that needed fixing before the race so the decision is to try something different. Gaffer tape, a spoon and a lighter... interesting. The sail is stuck with gaffer tape, the lighter heats the spoon and hte spoon melts the tape into the kevlar sail... hopefully this will stick.
It takes time to fix the sail, and time to let it dry and then put it back up again... the whole process takes a couple of hours but at least we maintain momentum with the trisail to an extent. The main back up and crisis over for the time being we get back into our shift routines. Unfortunately for poor Helen as she goes off shift she gets stuck in the heads (the toilet) when someone falls through the locked door, it takes quite a while to get her out and given her sea sickness it really isn't a pleasant time for her.
With the door problems we now have to sail with the heads door open from now on to avoid anyone getting stuck!! What more can happen, you certainly can't say that this is dull...
Saturday 27 December 2008
Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race - Day 1
The wind has started to pick up today as we start to head into the Bass Straits and past Eden the last point of refuge on the coast until Tasmania. In the afternoon we hit a bit of a squall and the winds pick up further and before you know it the first spinnaker is blown as the winds gust to 35 knots. This is the big masthead spinnaker which runs from the top of the mast. So the team hoist the next spinnaker, which is fractional and runs up to the top of the forestay (this is the track that the headsail at the front of the boat runs up and goes from just below the top of the mast to the bow), however, within a short space of time this one blows as well so its time for the storm spinnaker.
Later on there is an incident, we accidentally gybe (accidentally change course causing the boom to swing across the deck) this was on the other watch and Helen was in the pit and was hit in the head. She was very very lucky that it wasn't more serious and it just brushed her. She has had a hard time up to now what with sea sickness throughout the training and now on the race.
And the final straw of the day was when the oven fell off, becuase it is gas and we can't tell whether there is any damage to the pipe we can't risk using it now so all the pre-prepared oven meals are a waste and we have no evening meals or ability to make hot drinks. This causes quite an issue really from a food perspective as we are down to wraps and nuts, fruit only pretty much...
Quite an eventful day, the crew spirits are not down though and we are soldiering on, no surrender!!
Later on there is an incident, we accidentally gybe (accidentally change course causing the boom to swing across the deck) this was on the other watch and Helen was in the pit and was hit in the head. She was very very lucky that it wasn't more serious and it just brushed her. She has had a hard time up to now what with sea sickness throughout the training and now on the race.
And the final straw of the day was when the oven fell off, becuase it is gas and we can't tell whether there is any damage to the pipe we can't risk using it now so all the pre-prepared oven meals are a waste and we have no evening meals or ability to make hot drinks. This causes quite an issue really from a food perspective as we are down to wraps and nuts, fruit only pretty much...
Quite an eventful day, the crew spirits are not down though and we are soldiering on, no surrender!!
Friday 26 December 2008
Sydney To Hobart Boxing Day Race Start
The racing start is amazing, it’s such an adrenalin fuelled time. You start cruising the harbour, spot of food, a good motivational speech making sure we are aware of what is going on due to the number of boats (100+) keep and eye out, tell the skipper don’t assume they have seen it, quick reaction and going for it, Andy wants us to focus on Concentration, Observation, Communication and Kick ass… COCK!! Ha ha..
I am in the pit for race start which is exciting, although most of the work is done before there are still things we need to do as we get out of the harbour through the heads. Its amazing seeing all the boats, first we have to fly the storm gear, this is unique to Hobart after the storm of 1998. The harbour is bustling with activity, not just race boats but spectator boats and the usual ferries and traffic. Chaos but such an amazing wonderful sight! Its edge of the seat excitement and the crew are pretty tense and quiet….
We start really well, brilliant position off the line, tacking quickly up the harbour and things are going really well but 5 minutes into the race and there is noise and flapping, unbelievable the new jib sheet for the head sail has snapped it’s mad rush to tack over, rerun the line and tack back… tense but we get it done and keep on racing still trying to hold position.
We are good coming out of the heads ready to hoist the spinnaker, up it goes and the next thing we hear a cry from one of the boats alongside us… “ hey your spinnaker is upside down mate!”, so straight back down and we have to take time to fix the issue. Finally get the kite up the right way and we are off and sailing.
A great sail down the coat of NSW all day under spinnaker, its hard work trimming all the time so we are on rotation in our shifts for each role so we don’t get tired. The night time is dark as there is no moon, so that makes the work a little more difficult. Things are going well, we have a great little meal in the evening (pasta and mince!) and the first day is finished with luckily not too much ground lost despite our incidents!
I am in the pit for race start which is exciting, although most of the work is done before there are still things we need to do as we get out of the harbour through the heads. Its amazing seeing all the boats, first we have to fly the storm gear, this is unique to Hobart after the storm of 1998. The harbour is bustling with activity, not just race boats but spectator boats and the usual ferries and traffic. Chaos but such an amazing wonderful sight! Its edge of the seat excitement and the crew are pretty tense and quiet….
We start really well, brilliant position off the line, tacking quickly up the harbour and things are going really well but 5 minutes into the race and there is noise and flapping, unbelievable the new jib sheet for the head sail has snapped it’s mad rush to tack over, rerun the line and tack back… tense but we get it done and keep on racing still trying to hold position.
We are good coming out of the heads ready to hoist the spinnaker, up it goes and the next thing we hear a cry from one of the boats alongside us… “ hey your spinnaker is upside down mate!”, so straight back down and we have to take time to fix the issue. Finally get the kite up the right way and we are off and sailing.
A great sail down the coat of NSW all day under spinnaker, its hard work trimming all the time so we are on rotation in our shifts for each role so we don’t get tired. The night time is dark as there is no moon, so that makes the work a little more difficult. Things are going well, we have a great little meal in the evening (pasta and mince!) and the first day is finished with luckily not too much ground lost despite our incidents!
Thursday 25 December 2008
Xmas Eve and Day - Time Off
Well Xmas eve was a bit uneventful, after the work of the week it was time to do the practical washing and packing stuff and get ready for the big day (and I don’t mean Xmas Day!!).
Xmas Day though was fun, an early-ish start I went down to Bondi and Coogee for old times sake, reminiscing with one of the crew members Ben (the older) who had also had some misspent youth time in the CBH (Coogee Bay Hotel).
After that we met up with Mary from the crew in the hotel and all headed to the CYC for Xmas dinner, not your traditional turkey this was a feast of sea food. We had sparking wine, prawns, oysters, calamari, john dory, mussels, and the like with Salad and Chips.. what a feast.
Needless to say in the heat the fizzy pop went a bit to my head, next thing I am chatting to the crew members from many of the boats in the race, table hopping betting them bottles of rum for finishing positions. Funny given the performance so far that I had such confidence in our race day chances; must have been the bubbles!! So we were racing True North, Dream Lover, Perie Banou to name but a few!
Despite my little bit of a wobbly state we left early, had a nice early night in order to be racing fit in the morning… I am ready for this now and can’t believe how quickly this has come around! Alarm is set, bags are packed, racing gear is ready…
Xmas Day though was fun, an early-ish start I went down to Bondi and Coogee for old times sake, reminiscing with one of the crew members Ben (the older) who had also had some misspent youth time in the CBH (Coogee Bay Hotel).
After that we met up with Mary from the crew in the hotel and all headed to the CYC for Xmas dinner, not your traditional turkey this was a feast of sea food. We had sparking wine, prawns, oysters, calamari, john dory, mussels, and the like with Salad and Chips.. what a feast.
Needless to say in the heat the fizzy pop went a bit to my head, next thing I am chatting to the crew members from many of the boats in the race, table hopping betting them bottles of rum for finishing positions. Funny given the performance so far that I had such confidence in our race day chances; must have been the bubbles!! So we were racing True North, Dream Lover, Perie Banou to name but a few!
Despite my little bit of a wobbly state we left early, had a nice early night in order to be racing fit in the morning… I am ready for this now and can’t believe how quickly this has come around! Alarm is set, bags are packed, racing gear is ready…
Tuesday 23 December 2008
Day 8 - Final Training Day
Well today was a bit of a disappointment as we never left the dock, basically continued doing jobs on the boat to bring it up to racing condition!! I think that everyone was feeling as disappointed as I was at not setting sail for one last racing training session. Unfortunately, nothing can be done about that now.
We ran through some emergency procedures, and basic storm sail kit other than that it was a long and rather uneventful day. The forecast is for a quick race, so probably looking at 3 to no more than 4 days if all goes well. I am definitely excited about the start and to get going, there is a buzz in the air at the yacht club and the media is building up too.
Had a few drinks with the crew at the yacht club, then a couple of us went on to Kings Cross for more beers. Back to the old Bourbon and Beefsteak then onto the World Bar/Club! It was good fun to unwind with a few of the crew.
We ran through some emergency procedures, and basic storm sail kit other than that it was a long and rather uneventful day. The forecast is for a quick race, so probably looking at 3 to no more than 4 days if all goes well. I am definitely excited about the start and to get going, there is a buzz in the air at the yacht club and the media is building up too.
Had a few drinks with the crew at the yacht club, then a couple of us went on to Kings Cross for more beers. Back to the old Bourbon and Beefsteak then onto the World Bar/Club! It was good fun to unwind with a few of the crew.
Monday 22 December 2008
Day 7 - Intensive Race Training and Boat Fixing!
Great day, practice racing and pressure… just a shame that the majority of my crew were the ones with the beer fines because they could not be arsed to hang out on the rail… too busy lying back and cruising because they just don't seem to be taking it seriously.
I loved the pit under pressure, we had a moment when the outhaul broke (rope that keeps the bottom of the mainsail tight and trimmed…) had to act quick and fix it. Also the dodgy clutches posed a challenge.. really hoping I can be in the pit for the race start… loved every minute of the adrenalin and pressure. Bring on race day because I can not wait….
Weather for the race is looking like a possible downwind run all the way (spinnakers all the way), but we shall see as we are still a few days off. Anyway, not thinking that far ahead as the best days forecast is race day..!
Today was a high point for sailing, just a shame about having to come back early and fix the countless problems with the boat. I was on sticker duty bobbing about in the dingy putting on the stickers (pretty badly!!), but funny because I had to borrow the dingy, the sponge, the cloth, washing up liquid… everything to get the job done. So needless to say walked the pontoon and made a few friends, the delivery boss for “secret men’s business”, and the crew of another yacht from NZ and their goto boy!!
A few drinks at the end of a hard days work, but as ever an early night for everyone... at least I am going to be fully focused on the race...
I loved the pit under pressure, we had a moment when the outhaul broke (rope that keeps the bottom of the mainsail tight and trimmed…) had to act quick and fix it. Also the dodgy clutches posed a challenge.. really hoping I can be in the pit for the race start… loved every minute of the adrenalin and pressure. Bring on race day because I can not wait….
Weather for the race is looking like a possible downwind run all the way (spinnakers all the way), but we shall see as we are still a few days off. Anyway, not thinking that far ahead as the best days forecast is race day..!
Today was a high point for sailing, just a shame about having to come back early and fix the countless problems with the boat. I was on sticker duty bobbing about in the dingy putting on the stickers (pretty badly!!), but funny because I had to borrow the dingy, the sponge, the cloth, washing up liquid… everything to get the job done. So needless to say walked the pontoon and made a few friends, the delivery boss for “secret men’s business”, and the crew of another yacht from NZ and their goto boy!!
A few drinks at the end of a hard days work, but as ever an early night for everyone... at least I am going to be fully focused on the race...
Sunday 21 December 2008
Day 5/6 = Offshore Qualifying Passage
Well watch systems were announced and lets just say, can’t believe my luck at being on watch with the people I get on the least with…. So basically, out of all the crew on my watch I can quite easily say the there really isn’t one person I get on with so it will be a long few days.
But that is life and I just need to get on and focus on my role, the race and doing my best… I have worked hard to get here and not going to let anything stand in the way of doing it well. Obviously it would be nice to have the same family feel as Middle Sea but that is not going to happen with this crew by any stretch of the imagination.
24hrs on a boat was great; I am back in the same bunk… just no Amy sharing with me!! Back in the watch systems. Have to say that the food was slightly better (at least no wayfarers boil in bag), right up until it ran out for lunch on the way back… They don’t seem very organised here., seems more like everyone is on holiday mode and to be honest don’t think you are getting value for money!
Didn’t take long to get back in the swing of things, starting to get excited about the race. Roll on the Hobart..!
But that is life and I just need to get on and focus on my role, the race and doing my best… I have worked hard to get here and not going to let anything stand in the way of doing it well. Obviously it would be nice to have the same family feel as Middle Sea but that is not going to happen with this crew by any stretch of the imagination.
24hrs on a boat was great; I am back in the same bunk… just no Amy sharing with me!! Back in the watch systems. Have to say that the food was slightly better (at least no wayfarers boil in bag), right up until it ran out for lunch on the way back… They don’t seem very organised here., seems more like everyone is on holiday mode and to be honest don’t think you are getting value for money!
Didn’t take long to get back in the swing of things, starting to get excited about the race. Roll on the Hobart..!
Friday 19 December 2008
Day 3 - Second Day of Training and Sailing
Me in the pit, and a hard day as we did a quite a few sail changes and manoeuvres, blew the asymmetric spinnaker, and got to find out what was not all that great with the boat… pretty much everything! Sunny and windy day, 3m swell as we went a bit further out of the heads and round the coast towards Bondi.
Its all a bit all over the place at the moment, not exactly a slick racing machine, but that is to be expected from such a mixed bunch of experience and a new crew working together. Average age of crew is nearly 50 I guess (or well it feels that way as most of the crew are late 40’s to mid 50’s)…
The boat is also kind of showing its age and the number of races done I think… quite a few repairs but shouldn’t be an issue and everything should be ok for the race. Just need to work around the little problems in the pit (one dodgy winch, dodgy winch handles, faulty clutches, one cross winch runner that is coming off the deck… not much really!)….
After a few days with the crew well lets just say… they certainly seem laid back and not too bothered. As ever until you get to know each other it is chaos on board… So far no camaraderie, really it’s a funny bunch. Nice people and everything, but no sense of being a single unit. There are small groups of people getting along but no real feeling of team or family and out of the whole group there really isn’t s a single person that I have bonded with. And to be honest a good few that are doing my head in badly rude, sexist, ignorant or just plain annoying!!
There are already people I don’t want to be on watch with but we shall see but one plus is that the skipper and first mate are great, really like the teaching and approach and hopefully it should get the best out of everyone. We have a great Bowman in Ben (the younger!) too which is good…. H is also great in the pit, although has a tendency to get sick apparently…. she was talking to the low side yet again today!! No idea how she survived clipper round the world (11 months at sea… !) what an achievement.
I know that you can’t always get on with everyone but I am thinking that this is going to be a long few days….. and that I will have a sense of achievement and fulfilment in completing the race but won’t have made any friends.
Its all a bit all over the place at the moment, not exactly a slick racing machine, but that is to be expected from such a mixed bunch of experience and a new crew working together. Average age of crew is nearly 50 I guess (or well it feels that way as most of the crew are late 40’s to mid 50’s)…
The boat is also kind of showing its age and the number of races done I think… quite a few repairs but shouldn’t be an issue and everything should be ok for the race. Just need to work around the little problems in the pit (one dodgy winch, dodgy winch handles, faulty clutches, one cross winch runner that is coming off the deck… not much really!)….
After a few days with the crew well lets just say… they certainly seem laid back and not too bothered. As ever until you get to know each other it is chaos on board… So far no camaraderie, really it’s a funny bunch. Nice people and everything, but no sense of being a single unit. There are small groups of people getting along but no real feeling of team or family and out of the whole group there really isn’t s a single person that I have bonded with. And to be honest a good few that are doing my head in badly rude, sexist, ignorant or just plain annoying!!
There are already people I don’t want to be on watch with but we shall see but one plus is that the skipper and first mate are great, really like the teaching and approach and hopefully it should get the best out of everyone. We have a great Bowman in Ben (the younger!) too which is good…. H is also great in the pit, although has a tendency to get sick apparently…. she was talking to the low side yet again today!! No idea how she survived clipper round the world (11 months at sea… !) what an achievement.
I know that you can’t always get on with everyone but I am thinking that this is going to be a long few days….. and that I will have a sense of achievement and fulfilment in completing the race but won’t have made any friends.
Thursday 18 December 2008
Day 2 - First Day Sailing and Training
Well it is back in the pit as my primary role, so no worries there and quite happy with that as I enjoy it. Loving being back on the water sailing again... just can't beat it.
Next day met more crew member’s that did not make the social evening Peter. Really took a back seat and H got on with it in the pit. Generally the crew are not very talkative, bit relaxed, not really hanging off the rails or in racing mode more cruising mode!! So will see how it goes. Not sure any except the bowman or foredeckie have actually raced before really…!! Sunny and rainy day, bit of a storm on way back, not much swell as we stayed close to shore.
Met the last crew member Mary at the end of the day who had missed her flight, had a interesting but again albeit short evening at the yacht club. Had a little fun when I was temporarily adopted by another crew (Mustang Sally from Perth!!).
Also, it was brilliant to catch up with Bob in the club, and really can’t wait to see my accommodation for the delivery back to Sydney on the Midnight Rambler… should be great fun…!
Next day met more crew member’s that did not make the social evening Peter. Really took a back seat and H got on with it in the pit. Generally the crew are not very talkative, bit relaxed, not really hanging off the rails or in racing mode more cruising mode!! So will see how it goes. Not sure any except the bowman or foredeckie have actually raced before really…!! Sunny and rainy day, bit of a storm on way back, not much swell as we stayed close to shore.
Met the last crew member Mary at the end of the day who had missed her flight, had a interesting but again albeit short evening at the yacht club. Had a little fun when I was temporarily adopted by another crew (Mustang Sally from Perth!!).
Also, it was brilliant to catch up with Bob in the club, and really can’t wait to see my accommodation for the delivery back to Sydney on the Midnight Rambler… should be great fun…!
Wednesday 17 December 2008
Day 1 - Crew Social
OK so lets take it a day at a time now, starting with the crew social…
Met most of the crew, an interesting bunch… obviously one person is from the delivery Uk to Malta so I knew Charles already and the skipper Andy of course I have sailed with before in the round the island. So a few new people, Colin (first mate) Helen (or H as she is called), Steve, Ben (the younger) Ben, Mark, James and Andrew. This lasted about say 3 hours, just an intro but no-one really hung around to be, how shall we say.... social..! Anyway, varied experience from none, to quite a bit... although the majority is minimal when it comes to racing.
Met most of the crew, an interesting bunch… obviously one person is from the delivery Uk to Malta so I knew Charles already and the skipper Andy of course I have sailed with before in the round the island. So a few new people, Colin (first mate) Helen (or H as she is called), Steve, Ben (the younger) Ben, Mark, James and Andrew. This lasted about say 3 hours, just an intro but no-one really hung around to be, how shall we say.... social..! Anyway, varied experience from none, to quite a bit... although the majority is minimal when it comes to racing.
Tuesday 16 December 2008
Manly to Rushcutters
Well another week in Oz has passed, and its been a fun and wild time for me and with the weather!! Had a few days of really bad rain rain rain... lets hope that's not what is in store for the Hobart.
There certainly has been plenty of wind. which means that every time you get to the beach and sit down you get buried in sand... would have been better sailing! But hey, plenty of that to come so all I have been doing is taking refuge at the pools on the beach, definitely less sand blasting there!
Had a very funny night at the Manly Xmas Santa Pub Crawl. Basically nearly everyone in Manly dresses as santa or some Xmas thingy and goes on a pub crawl for charity.... not sure how that works and well, there didn't seem much crawling... everyone got to the Ho.. (Ivanhoe pub!) and well pretty much stayed up to closing and then went to the Steyne (great pub names...).
It was a long night starting at 4.30pm, a very hot sunny day for the Santas (34C) crawling around, probably why they took refuge in the aircon'd pub for so long! I was easily persuaded into the drinking of the vodka red bull through a large candy cane.. not the greatest idea, but funny.
After recovery from the santa crawl it was time for the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, interesting as I don't like bridges, heights or ladders (especially ladders!) much at all... it was more a personal challenge. I rose to it and had a great time, but defintiely won't be doing that again. Fantastic views, and chose the twighlight which was just a great sight.
So then it was all home and packing ready for my move to Rushcutters Bay and the CYC and the start of training for the Hobart and 10 days to the big race start...
So here I am, after a traumatic episode where I went from having a reservation, to being told I did not have a reservation, to the hotel then being fully booked with no room and potentially being without a place to stay. It all worked out in the end and luckily a room was arranged and sorted.... it was a very stressful couple of hours!! I certainly didn't relish the thought of looking for a place to stay at Xmas in Sydney.. :( but maybe could have walked the dock for a bunk on a boat... ha ha
So its all good, and I am set and ready for training, sailing and racing... very excited, nervous, happy and can't believe that this has come round so quickly. I added a couple of links as apparently yahoo are putting out a live global webcast for the start of the race. Gutted I missed the big boats racing today due to hotel trouble!! So here we go...
There certainly has been plenty of wind. which means that every time you get to the beach and sit down you get buried in sand... would have been better sailing! But hey, plenty of that to come so all I have been doing is taking refuge at the pools on the beach, definitely less sand blasting there!
Had a very funny night at the Manly Xmas Santa Pub Crawl. Basically nearly everyone in Manly dresses as santa or some Xmas thingy and goes on a pub crawl for charity.... not sure how that works and well, there didn't seem much crawling... everyone got to the Ho.. (Ivanhoe pub!) and well pretty much stayed up to closing and then went to the Steyne (great pub names...).
It was a long night starting at 4.30pm, a very hot sunny day for the Santas (34C) crawling around, probably why they took refuge in the aircon'd pub for so long! I was easily persuaded into the drinking of the vodka red bull through a large candy cane.. not the greatest idea, but funny.
After recovery from the santa crawl it was time for the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, interesting as I don't like bridges, heights or ladders (especially ladders!) much at all... it was more a personal challenge. I rose to it and had a great time, but defintiely won't be doing that again. Fantastic views, and chose the twighlight which was just a great sight.
So then it was all home and packing ready for my move to Rushcutters Bay and the CYC and the start of training for the Hobart and 10 days to the big race start...
So here I am, after a traumatic episode where I went from having a reservation, to being told I did not have a reservation, to the hotel then being fully booked with no room and potentially being without a place to stay. It all worked out in the end and luckily a room was arranged and sorted.... it was a very stressful couple of hours!! I certainly didn't relish the thought of looking for a place to stay at Xmas in Sydney.. :( but maybe could have walked the dock for a bunk on a boat... ha ha
So its all good, and I am set and ready for training, sailing and racing... very excited, nervous, happy and can't believe that this has come round so quickly. I added a couple of links as apparently yahoo are putting out a live global webcast for the start of the race. Gutted I missed the big boats racing today due to hotel trouble!! So here we go...
Wednesday 10 December 2008
Manly Beach
Well here I am in Manly yet again, arrived Friday the 5th and been chilling since I got here, its lovely to catch up with Liz, Neil and their gorgeous little girl Caylea aged 5mths now...
The apartment is perfect, just off the beach, just next to friends and minutes from everything you need...
Been a bit changeable in the weather, although it was glorious on Tues with sun blazing I hung out on the beach and by the sea side pool... managed to burn my bum!! Need to be careful in the sun out here, its not very forgiving if you miss a patch...!
Today is Weds, bit of rain but at least it is still warm, decided to take in some of the culture of Sydney art galleries and the like, all good fun. Still not doing well on the one armed photo though, and my arty shots are not going to well but practice makes perfect.
Been good and training every day, need to make sure I am fit for the big race. Managed to change all my plans to ensure I am good for sailing off on the 2nd Jan with Bob and the AFR Midnight Rambler... can't wait.
Have caught up with friends and had a fun time so far, loving every mintue.. its good to be back;)
The apartment is perfect, just off the beach, just next to friends and minutes from everything you need...
Been a bit changeable in the weather, although it was glorious on Tues with sun blazing I hung out on the beach and by the sea side pool... managed to burn my bum!! Need to be careful in the sun out here, its not very forgiving if you miss a patch...!
Today is Weds, bit of rain but at least it is still warm, decided to take in some of the culture of Sydney art galleries and the like, all good fun. Still not doing well on the one armed photo though, and my arty shots are not going to well but practice makes perfect.
Been good and training every day, need to make sure I am fit for the big race. Managed to change all my plans to ensure I am good for sailing off on the 2nd Jan with Bob and the AFR Midnight Rambler... can't wait.
Have caught up with friends and had a fun time so far, loving every mintue.. its good to be back;)
Thursday 4 December 2008
Hong Kong
Where to start, my terminal 5 experience was fantastic, such a breath of travelling fresh air... just breezed through to the lounge and bar... quick drink and onto the plane to Hong Kong.
Such a shame that Matts blackberry broke down, and funny that we seemed to be just a couple of hours apart on the tourist route around Hong Kong but never actually met up! But needless to say, Hong Kong hasn't changed that much since my last visit in 1994 at a mere ooooh.... 21 I think!!
Had fun at Big Buddha, my new name being "missy", missy can you take a photo... ha ha.. still myself perfecting the art of the one armed single traveller photo.. !
Managed to get lost at Kowloon MTR trying to get out of the station, every exit being a private area that you can't leave without a pass.. the ony exit is through miles of shopping mall... which with no budget is a real trial! Finally managed to make it to temple street market and then the walk to the star ferry for a night time Xmas light extravaganza over the harbour.. great fun.
Then the peak tram, a bit like blackpools big one but without the drop on the other side, up and up you go... countless people trying to sell you fortunes, someone should tell them don't say that your fortune is all sun and roses and someone might try and find out what is going to happen!!
The ony down side to Hong Kong was the excess baggage charge on Cathay Pacific and the confiscation of water before you get on the plane... what is that all about!!! Just bought it 50ft away from the plane. Oh well.. then the joy of small children talking all the way to Sydney and kicking you in the back, he is lucky I was feeling happy to be going to Sydney that is all I can say!
Such a shame that Matts blackberry broke down, and funny that we seemed to be just a couple of hours apart on the tourist route around Hong Kong but never actually met up! But needless to say, Hong Kong hasn't changed that much since my last visit in 1994 at a mere ooooh.... 21 I think!!
Had fun at Big Buddha, my new name being "missy", missy can you take a photo... ha ha.. still myself perfecting the art of the one armed single traveller photo.. !
Managed to get lost at Kowloon MTR trying to get out of the station, every exit being a private area that you can't leave without a pass.. the ony exit is through miles of shopping mall... which with no budget is a real trial! Finally managed to make it to temple street market and then the walk to the star ferry for a night time Xmas light extravaganza over the harbour.. great fun.
Then the peak tram, a bit like blackpools big one but without the drop on the other side, up and up you go... countless people trying to sell you fortunes, someone should tell them don't say that your fortune is all sun and roses and someone might try and find out what is going to happen!!
The ony down side to Hong Kong was the excess baggage charge on Cathay Pacific and the confiscation of water before you get on the plane... what is that all about!!! Just bought it 50ft away from the plane. Oh well.. then the joy of small children talking all the way to Sydney and kicking you in the back, he is lucky I was feeling happy to be going to Sydney that is all I can say!
Sunday 30 November 2008
Leaving Parties
What can I say really except I had the best time ever in November with all my favourite people, dancing and having fun right up to the day I left for Oz... love you guys and will miss you all so much! Thanks for making it such a memorable November.... ;)
Saturday 25 October 2008
Middle Sea Yacht Race
Well what can I say, it has to have been the most enjoyable 2 weeks I have had! I was blessed to be part of what I think was the best crew in the race... or that I will ever sail with. From start to finish every day was great fun, lots to learn and a feeling of a big sailing family. We partied hard and sailed hard.
I believe we tried to get every last knot out of the EH01 for every minute, certainly watch leader Bob had us running around on deck alot at night and day! It was a brilliant experience... a fantastic team effort, everyone working together and pitching in. Wayfarers (boil in the bag food!) though should really come with a packet of indigestion tablets...
It was a shame that we were taken out by a storm and hit by lightening.. everyone worked hard to keep us in the race despite 60knots of wind and zero visibility, but unfortunately the mainsail tore beyond repair! But that is racing and we got on with it, got home and enjoyed the ceremony and parties.
I can't wait now for the Hobart and to catch up with 3 of my fellow Middle Sea racers, not to mention getting back next year for some unfinished business with the Middle Sea along with another 2 of the crew!!
I believe we tried to get every last knot out of the EH01 for every minute, certainly watch leader Bob had us running around on deck alot at night and day! It was a brilliant experience... a fantastic team effort, everyone working together and pitching in. Wayfarers (boil in the bag food!) though should really come with a packet of indigestion tablets...
It was a shame that we were taken out by a storm and hit by lightening.. everyone worked hard to keep us in the race despite 60knots of wind and zero visibility, but unfortunately the mainsail tore beyond repair! But that is racing and we got on with it, got home and enjoyed the ceremony and parties.
I can't wait now for the Hobart and to catch up with 3 of my fellow Middle Sea racers, not to mention getting back next year for some unfinished business with the Middle Sea along with another 2 of the crew!!
Sunday 5 October 2008
Cowes to Malta Delivery
Well what can I say, what an adventure this delivery was... met some interesting people of different ages and nationalities.. a great time was had and it was a massive learning curve in terms of sailing! This is just a short overview, basically first time sailing at night, shifts or 4hrs on and off during the day and 3hrs at night that takes a few days to get into it.. first time sleeping on a boats engine (whilst on!), I did improve helming although some times its quite easy to get distracted!!
Few incidents and bruises, such as flying across the room and hitting the wall... running into the boom (never a good thing!) had to sit with pate on my head (the only solid cool item on the boat!)..
We had a few hits of rough weather, once when I was helming at night for the first time.. very scarey, I rocked the skipper out of bed... next thing its "shall we put in a reef" (make the sail smaller so we slow down a bit!).
Had to leave Gibraltar in a hurry due to skipper Ben losing his passport, that was interesting... never been asked to leave a country before.. all made for an exciting day, with covert operations to get food to the boat! Funny.. :)
Then arriving in Malta surfing into the harbour with 30 knot winds... all ended what will be one of the best experiences of my life. A bit like an adrenalin big brother on a boat.. looking forward to racing now!
Few incidents and bruises, such as flying across the room and hitting the wall... running into the boom (never a good thing!) had to sit with pate on my head (the only solid cool item on the boat!)..
We had a few hits of rough weather, once when I was helming at night for the first time.. very scarey, I rocked the skipper out of bed... next thing its "shall we put in a reef" (make the sail smaller so we slow down a bit!).
Had to leave Gibraltar in a hurry due to skipper Ben losing his passport, that was interesting... never been asked to leave a country before.. all made for an exciting day, with covert operations to get food to the boat! Funny.. :)
Then arriving in Malta surfing into the harbour with 30 knot winds... all ended what will be one of the best experiences of my life. A bit like an adrenalin big brother on a boat.. looking forward to racing now!
Wednesday 10 September 2008
Sea Survival Training
Attended training with Stormforce (http://www.stormforcecoaching.co.uk/rya_shorebased.php)
and achieved RYA Sea Survival and ISAF Offshore Racing Crew certification. Basically setting off flares, jumping in and out of a liferaft and learning how to survive at sea... have to say, I hope I never have to use a liferaft in a real situation.. it was bad enough in a little swimming pool!!
and achieved RYA Sea Survival and ISAF Offshore Racing Crew certification. Basically setting off flares, jumping in and out of a liferaft and learning how to survive at sea... have to say, I hope I never have to use a liferaft in a real situation.. it was bad enough in a little swimming pool!!
Sunday 7 September 2008
Second Race Training Weekend
Well after another wet and windy weekend of sailing and race training in Cowes, we put up storm gear due to high winds and bad weather. Great experience, although the wind did die down quite a bit. Most of the weekend was taken up with safety briefings and an overview of what to expect in the Middle Sea Yacht race.
I have seen my new home away from home the Beneteau 47.7 EH01 that will transport me from UK to Malta and then will be raced in the Middle Sea yacht Race in October.
I have seen my new home away from home the Beneteau 47.7 EH01 that will transport me from UK to Malta and then will be raced in the Middle Sea yacht Race in October.
Sunday 29 June 2008
Round The Island Yacht Race
Well I am back in one piece from my first racing experience, just about... it is a very black and blue piece that had a pretty amazing adventure. So we came 33 out 58, 14 of which never made the finish line. We took 7hrs 41mins but lost about an hour with a few little incidents.
We hit pretty choppy waters which swept the spinnaker overboard in its bag, we lost the bag but managed to recover the sail back into the boat and raised, despite the ton of water building up into it as we dragged it back on board. Along with me who was 50% out of the boat pulling the sail back in... ! Lifejackets are a requirement thank goodness...
As a result of kite overboard, we managed to wrap the spinnaker halyard around the backstay.. sorry about the terminology, getting all yachty these days.. needless to say that is something that was a first for our skipper with 30years sailing.. so good going us eh!!
The next first for the skipper was the chinese gybe, see picture link... very wet boat very wet crew, we managed to have most of the crew in the water without actually being overboard!! Trust me when I say the only thing you are thinking about is holding on for your life!!
To top it all off, at one point I bounced over the deck when we were hiking from one side of the boat to the other whilst tacking and was being dragged through the rails, again thanks to Anna for grabbing and hoisting me back in.. and I won't talk about the bruise after that incident!
So with 5 broaches under our belt we made it home, great team work and then out for a well deserved drink... party till late then home, a little cruise on Sunday and now recovering.
Have to say it was brilliant, exciting, exhilarating, amazing site of 1700+ boats all racing, roll on Cowes... and plenty to do now before Sydney, I used and strained muscles I never expected..
Thanks to everyone who supported me in charity sponsorship too..
We hit pretty choppy waters which swept the spinnaker overboard in its bag, we lost the bag but managed to recover the sail back into the boat and raised, despite the ton of water building up into it as we dragged it back on board. Along with me who was 50% out of the boat pulling the sail back in... ! Lifejackets are a requirement thank goodness...
As a result of kite overboard, we managed to wrap the spinnaker halyard around the backstay.. sorry about the terminology, getting all yachty these days.. needless to say that is something that was a first for our skipper with 30years sailing.. so good going us eh!!
The next first for the skipper was the chinese gybe, see picture link... very wet boat very wet crew, we managed to have most of the crew in the water without actually being overboard!! Trust me when I say the only thing you are thinking about is holding on for your life!!
To top it all off, at one point I bounced over the deck when we were hiking from one side of the boat to the other whilst tacking and was being dragged through the rails, again thanks to Anna for grabbing and hoisting me back in.. and I won't talk about the bruise after that incident!
So with 5 broaches under our belt we made it home, great team work and then out for a well deserved drink... party till late then home, a little cruise on Sunday and now recovering.
Have to say it was brilliant, exciting, exhilarating, amazing site of 1700+ boats all racing, roll on Cowes... and plenty to do now before Sydney, I used and strained muscles I never expected..
Thanks to everyone who supported me in charity sponsorship too..
Sunday 8 June 2008
First Race Training Weekend
Well, what can I say the weather was glorious and the wind was perfect for training. Had a fantastic time, learned lots about sailing and racing so am now getting really excited about the thought of the Sydney Hobart.
Not sure how well you would ever sleep in the boat, its like being in a coffin, very tight.. but an experience, definitely back to basics. I loved every minute, brilliant group, we had a funny one being run aground on the bramble when the boats depth gauge failed!! hanging over the edge of the boat for a while whilst trying to get back into deep water...!!
I got to do lots, steering is not my strong point I found out (don't anyone dare say like my driving!!) and the favourite bit was trimming, trimming the spinnaker (big sail at front of boat for lots of speed when sailing downwind!) I have blisters and bruises but am happy as larry...
Roll on Round the Island... I have now signed up for a race at Cowes week too... love it! :-)
Not sure how well you would ever sleep in the boat, its like being in a coffin, very tight.. but an experience, definitely back to basics. I loved every minute, brilliant group, we had a funny one being run aground on the bramble when the boats depth gauge failed!! hanging over the edge of the boat for a while whilst trying to get back into deep water...!!
I got to do lots, steering is not my strong point I found out (don't anyone dare say like my driving!!) and the favourite bit was trimming, trimming the spinnaker (big sail at front of boat for lots of speed when sailing downwind!) I have blisters and bruises but am happy as larry...
Roll on Round the Island... I have now signed up for a race at Cowes week too... love it! :-)
Saturday 12 January 2008
Signed up for the Sydney to Hobart in 2008
Signed up for the Sydney to Hobart with Global Yacht Racing (www,globalyachtracing.com)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
