tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20632563973391097592024-02-06T20:11:28.352-08:00Alpaire AdventuresAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572794433214731506noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063256397339109759.post-88998801958098695192015-12-10T08:32:00.000-08:002015-12-10T08:32:28.982-08:00A question inspired by Alpaire<div class="MsoPlainText">
Hello</div>
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Congratulations on your crossing and exciting for
observers as you raced for 2nd place.</div>
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I have a HR48 and will be crossing in Jan 2017. I very much enjoyed reading the blog of your
ARC crossing and would like to know more
about the twin headsail setup. I had
discounted the twin jibs as we have spreaders that allow the boom to go well
out, but your commentary favours twin
headsails. What size were your headsails, I believe they were similar
sizes? On the HR48, do you think this
setup would work with 140% and 108% in the same groove?</div>
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I too have a furling assymetric and think its a wonderful
sail.</div>
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Thank you</div>
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David Bowes</div>
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If you have any comment please pass it on via the comments section and we'll make sure David gets it.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572794433214731506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063256397339109759.post-6523109303606536202015-12-10T07:24:00.002-08:002015-12-10T07:24:27.738-08:00A few photos from the race itself<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572794433214731506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063256397339109759.post-84403460516837439892015-12-09T01:47:00.003-08:002015-12-09T01:47:35.191-08:00A couple of pictures from social media<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A few beers with the other Paddies</div>
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Hello St. Lucia!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572794433214731506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063256397339109759.post-22772705211057014302015-12-09T01:43:00.001-08:002015-12-09T01:43:04.955-08:00Alpaire Last Day - the end<div class="MsoPlainText">
Well we got here. We are now in Rodney Bay St Lucia. We
finished this afternoon. We had a fantastic run over the last 48 hours with a
good favourable breeze all the way to the finish,. We took 16 days 3 hrs 41
minutes and 49 seconds, 3rd in our class. That is a very good time for a
cruising boat like a HR 48. It is also fairly unusual to sail all the way
without use of engine. As far as we can see most of the boats ahead of us were
bigger or more racy. In fact many boats larger than us are still at sea, Discovery 55s, Oysters etc.</div>
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<br /></div>
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St Lucia is a small island 25 miles North to South. If
has very steep mountains which are no doubt as a result of volcanic eruptions.
The highest is 3,117 feet, 950 mtrs so
as high as Carantuohill but steeper. We were sure that the Easterly winds would
bend to South Westerly and accelerate at the Northern end of the Island. We
could therefore afford to sail a higher course on starboard gybe as we made our
approach. The Northern tip is clean and we sailed close to it in seventeen meters.
The swell subsided past the tip. We dropped our two spinnaker poles, rounded
Pidgeon island, and close reached to the finish in Rodney Bay. The entrance to
the lagoon is a dredged narrow channel. The marina there is very sheltered.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The temperature in the afternoon here when we finished
was close to 30 degrees. There were a few rain squalls but they were
irrelevant. We were greeted on the way in by Liam Cavanagh and his partner Liz
who came out to meet us in a small rib with an Irish flag. They had sailed the
"Arc plus" via the Cape Verde Islands. They had a bit of bother and
arrived in St Lucia at the weekend. </div>
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<br /></div>
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We finished just after Bam and Taistealai, we nearly
caught both. We got to meet each later. Conor Fogarty skipper of Bam has done
over 20 trans Atlantics and 100s of thousands of miles at sea on all sorts of
high performance boats. Some of you may know Daragh Heagney one of his crew who
used to sail on a 1720. They ran out of water but still had UHT milk. Chris
Tibbs's wife is Irish hence the name Taistealai which means Travellers as many
of you pointed out. They could not understand how we could sail so deep. They
were carrying a spinnaker.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I am sure there are many stories to be told by the other
boats. On Alpaire the skippers favourite phrase was "belay that
rope". Let's hope that he does not get belayed ashore in the next few
days.</div>
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<br /></div>
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In a last desperate attempt to catch a fish Des put a
spanner on the spinner. One of Lidl's best. The idea was to sink the lure.
However all aspirations to catching another fish were consigned to Davy Jones
locker. When we arrived at the dock we saw Marlene F tied up with multiple fish
tails strung up. They had two large fishing rods set up on the stern, so had
many other boats. In the bar we met the crew of the Finnish boat Mearra Nieida.
Mearra means the sea in the language of
the Lapps. They showed us photos of the Mahi Mahi and tuna that they had
caught. I think that we have got a bit to learn, for the next time!</div>
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The danger is that we now become a bunch of "when
Is" ie "when I was on the ARC". In order to eliminate all risk of this nostalgic possibility we watched Casablanca in the saloon over dinner and a glass of wine. Here's looking at you kid means something else after 2,600 miles across the Atlantic! <br /><br /> Thank you all for your reactions to our blog. We enjoyed putting it together and I know many of you enjoyed reading it.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572794433214731506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063256397339109759.post-22073960932270375082015-12-08T05:45:00.004-08:002015-12-08T05:45:39.290-08:00Alpaire Day 15<div class="MsoPlainText">
Just 217 miles to go at noon. We covered 176 in the 24
hours to then. Furia 174, Taistealai 177, Bam 166 and Crackerjack 183. Does
anybody know if Taistealai means something in any language? One suggestion is a
journey in Scots Gaelic. (Note from Editor: It means Travellers but is commonly used to describe
those undertaking a journey rather than a member of the travelling community as
Gaeilge {lucht siúil if anyone is interested})</div>
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We assume that you are enjoying good weather by now. In
accordance with the Confucious theory of the World in Balance you should be,
because we had plenty of rain showers last night. It is such a pain putting on
the water proofs!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Our destination in St Lucia is Rodney Bay. It is called
after Admiral Sir George Rodney. He defeated the French fleet at the Battle of
The Saints in the Caribbean just South of Guadaloupe circa 150 miles North of
St Lucia. That was in 1782, and was one of the few successes of the British in
the American War of Independence. He brought with him a young Scottish man
Gilbert Blane as his personal physician. Blane (later Sir) studied all that was
written about scurvy and in particular the works of James Lind and the advice
of Cook. He advised Admiral Rodney how to avoid scurvy. As a result of implementing these policies the crews of
the Bitish ships in the Caribbean were fighting fit and it was a significant
factor in the battle against the French. Blane's personality, social standing
and relationship with Admiral Rodney led to the Admiralty adopting anti scurvy
regimes in all their ships. This policy change was a major advantage when
blockading the French ports and at the Battl
e of Trafalgar. As a consequence Napoleon was unable to invade Britain.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
As this is one of the last blogs that I will write I
wanted to mention cardio exercise for future reference. Anybody planning a long
ocean voyage should consider it. The boat is moving all the time and we
unconsciously move our bodies in harmony, but that is not cardio. I found that
the most practical and safe cardio exercise is to stand in the middle of the
saloon athwartships holding the edge of the chart table and do squats. Half an
hour of vigorous squats in 28 degrees of heat in the cabin will have you
knackered. It is also good for getting into shape for skiing.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
The ship's company are very focused on aviation matters.
Perhaps it is because we saw Peter Pan lose his nerve and keep both feet on the
deck during the early hours of Sunday.
They have come up with two important innovations. One will help many
seafarers and marinas in future and the other is likely to be of substantial
benefit to the Irish economy. I am particularly excited by the latter as it
could lead to a Nobel Prize for Economic Innovation for my colleagues.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Some on board are very concerned that the Rib Dingy,
unlike the ship's company, is going a little soft. In future it will be filled
with helium. This will have the added benefit of lightening the stern of the
boat and counterbalancing the weight of the engine so that we can take the
waves better. It should also save space in marinas because we will be able to
tie the painter to the spinnaker halyard.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The second idea is, I think, particularly promising. We
are planning to cross the flying fish from Atlantic tropical waters with
mackerel in the Irish seas. We will then develop the new sport of shooting
flying mackerel. If you hit them in the air they no longer count as fish so
they should be exempted from EU fishing quotas. As Ireland's maritime waters
are circa eight times the land mass we have a lot of potential. Please keep
this idea to yourself as Des is planning to get Lucinda to include it in her
manifesto.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
The otherwise idle members of the crew have come up with
a new collective noun for Mahi Mahi, a snigger. That is what they do hiding
under the boat when we put out our lines! I have no more to write about
fishing!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Joxer advises that the smell of rum is not wafting up
wind from the Caribbean. Rather it is the crew acting with the knowledge that
the stocks will soon be replaced. The ships rules are: one beer or glass of
wine per person per day, no spirits. The skipper is afraid that any more might
result in the crew becoming (even more) delusional. I fear the search for the
cause of the delusions is rather like the search for a cure for scurvy, it will
take a couple of hundred years at least!</div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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All the best from the good ship Alpaire.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572794433214731506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063256397339109759.post-52414575658556561652015-12-07T01:10:00.000-08:002015-12-07T01:10:27.845-08:00Messages to the crew (Part 10)<u><b>Tadhg Pearson</b></u><br />
<br />
It's funny to read about the tranquility of the ocean... it's quite the contrast from this busy office in Bangalore! <a href="http://imgur.com/bAXtUuD">http://imgur.com/bAXtUuD</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572794433214731506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063256397339109759.post-17175421806625902382015-12-07T00:59:00.002-08:002015-12-07T00:59:34.182-08:00Alpaire Day 14<div class="MsoPlainText">
Now two weeks at sea and only 393 miles to go according
to the ARC control noon stats. We did 177 miles in the 24 hours noon to noon.
Furia 188, Taistealai 174, Bam 163, Crackerjack 185. We are taking the shifts
and downwind tacking along the rhumb line. The computer routing using the
downloaded grib files suggest staying a little to the North on starboard gybe
using the current wind which is North of East. The wind is expected to shift
East with a bit of South East, so staying on starboard gybe should give a
faster leg into the finish. That is if the wind shifts. In any event the
forecast is that we will hold the breeze to the finish. We are taking a book on
when that might be. The best estimate is midnight on Tuesday 8th December, or
the early hours of the 9th - 2015 of course.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Jan writes: "I can see that have and have-not are on
opposite poles to each other as it were, conceptually. I draw a line and I put
an arrow head at each end. But I fail to grasp what it is that specific members
of the crew have or have not been stroking. Please clarify." Well yet
again Yan and Ying. The clue was the cotton wool for Santa Clause. The reason
that you are not stroking yours in a Confucious like fashion is that it has
clearly been some time! Confucious he say: he who strokes his, can think like
me!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Ronan writes: "In 1601 Captain James Lancaster an
English sailor performed an experiment on the prevention of scurvy. On one of
four ships bound for india he prescribed three teaspoons of lemon juice a day
for the crew.By the halfway point 110 men out of 278 had died on the other
three ships. Everyone had survived on the lemon supplied ship. It took another
194 years for the Royal Navy to enact new dietary guidelines, and it wasn't
until 1865 that the merchant fleet created similar guidelines. Not an example
of black box thinking!" Actually Lancaster had been commissioned by the
East India Company and it is thought that he knew about the benefits of lemon
juice because he had grown up in Portugal. The benefits of lemons became known
in the merchant fleets and in fact the Dutch East India Company even maintained
citrus plantations at key stops such as Mauritius and the Cape of Good Hope.
Then the good times for the East India Companies faded. The accountant's
introduced Auster ity (and possibly
water charges!). By the time that naval ships began to travel on long voyages
the knowledge was forgotten.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Peter Pan was up to his old tricks last night. I came off
watch at mid-night. However at circa 03:45 (UTC/GMT) the said Peter was dancing
in his normal graceful fashion on the foredeck hatch over my head. Anxious to
finally get a glimpse of Tinkerbelle I peered out and realised that she had
escaped, and that he was chasing the clue of one of our jibs. It had frayed
through where it was led through the spinnaker pole end. The recovery was not
so easy because when both jibs are rolled together the clew is too high to
reach when standing at the bow. For some reason Peter's aviator's skills had
deserted him at that moment. Perhaps it was a confidence issue. He preferred to
use the boat hook and keep his feet on deck. You gotta believe if you wanna
fly! We were back on track and in the race again by 04:30.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
I went back to my bunk and was on watch again at 06:00
UTC/GMT. As we are now at 55 degrees West local time was approx 02:00. My watch
was uneventful except for a few shooting stars, our friends the planets and the
Moon. Jupiter had risen early in the East. The Moon, as reported yesterday,
rose on its ear, followed some time later by Venus. All three were in a perfect
vertical line equally spaced apart. Mars rose a little before the Moon but in
the North East. The four of them were like a giant triangular sail of a ship in
the sky following us, Mars being the clew.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Des identified a black-browed albatross that came to look
at our fishing lines this morning. Even it was not tempted. We read from the
Collins bird book that it is the only albatross likely to be seen in the N
Atlantic. It is a bit like a gannet but described in the book as clearly
heavier and more long winged than a g.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
It is with deep regret that I must announce, on behalf of
the skipper, that Sam has tendered his resignation as Minister for Fisheries.
Sam refused to comment on speculation that he is following his heart's desire.
He is to become Patron of the Royal Society for the Protection of Maritime
Fishes in Tropical Waters of the North Atlantic between Latitudes 12N to 30N
for the Lunar Months of November and December. In future he is to be referred
to as his Honour the Patron of the RSftPoMFiTWotNAbL12Nt30nftLMoNaD for short.
As this is a newly established organisation, a bit down on its heels, he is to
borrow the Crown Emblem from the Royal Irish Yacht Club Ensign.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
It is understood that Sam's position became more difficult
each day as Marlene F recounted all the fish that they had caught. Some of the
other boats on the SSB net think that she is a factory ship!</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
All the best from the good ship Alpaire.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572794433214731506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063256397339109759.post-12235242022367075422015-12-07T00:56:00.002-08:002015-12-07T00:56:26.294-08:00Alpaire Day 13<div class="MsoPlainText">
We had a great run overnight, 190 miles, and at noon were
570 miles from the finish. The wind seems to be a bit stronger at night so that
we were able to maintain our speed and run deeper, particularly in the gusts.
The guys on watch have done a great job taking advantages of the wind shifts in
the gusts. The other boats that we follow did: Furia 184 miles, Taistealai 166,
Bam 177, Crackerjack 176.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
We are encountering lots of sargasso weed. Since the
prevailing wind and current is from the East it is hard to understand how it
gets down here. At times there appears to be a cross swell from th NE leading
to a confused sea. But the sargasso sea is a long way North of us. </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
I must also return to our friend Orion and its ARC across
the night sky. The belt becomes a zip and Orion appears on its side at the
beginning and the end of its ARC. In the middle of the night Orion is as
upright as the rest of us, whatever that means. For the same reason the moon
also appears very strange to our eyes when it rises. It is on its side. Des
thinks that it is under the influence (of moonshine). It is now a waning
crescent and 35% full.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Today we have company from two US catarmarans who appear
to be making the crossing together. We also have the odd dolphin who visits.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
The crew is now sharply polarised, the haves and the
have-nots. Those that have are seen to regularly stroke theirs in a Confucious
like pose. I am not sure if this is related to the transoceanic sailors
delusions that I wrote about yesterday. I don't believe that I suffer from same
as I will need to buy cotton wool this Xmas.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
I mentioned scurvy yesterday - you know it plagued
seafarers for centuries. Britain and France fought the Seven Years War in the
middle of the eighteenth century. Out of
184,899 men raised or rounded up for the war, 133,708 died from disease,
primarily scurvy, while only 1,512 were killed in action. The situation on the
good ship Alpaire is of course better. We still have a few oranges, lemons and
tomatoes left. I think the lemons were bought for gin and tonic (which probably
damages the scorbutic efficacy of the fruit). As the skipper has reserved all
gin for the fish catch our stocks are exceptionally good. Tonic is supposed to
be good for warding of mosquitoes but fortunately there are not among the pests
we have on board.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Back to fishing. We have been getting a few small flying
fish on deck most mornings. This morning we got a large one. In fact it was so
large that the crew thought it was a tuna that had empathy with our feelings of
inadequacy (as fishermen) and had committed hari kari to redeem our self
esteem. It is now sun dried bait. A long tailed skua had a good look at it but
was not fooled. It is clearly immune to the transoceanic delusions of the rest
of us.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
We have had reports of the weather in Ireland, storm
force winds and heavy rain. We are enjoying clear blue skies on a crisp blue
sea. Shorts and tee-shirts is the dress code day and night. The Confucian
disciples on board say that this all part of the way of nature Yin and Yang. It
all balances out. You must suffer so that we have the pleasure of blue water
sailing. Me thinks Yang is in Switzerland controlling us all. </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
We feel we are on the home strait now with a good wind
forecast to take us to St Lucia, and a race to the finish with the objective of
overhauling Taistealai.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
All the best from the good ship Alpaire.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572794433214731506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063256397339109759.post-35813535126079662672015-12-07T00:55:00.002-08:002015-12-07T00:55:30.412-08:00Messages to the crew (Part 9)<b><u>John Leckey</u></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Uel and Alpaire Crew, from John, Barbara and Arran Yacht
Club, continuing to monitor your excellent progress and well done for holding
3rd place. Enjoy reading your daily
blogs and note the problems of flying fish - same issue here, with Guinness
flying everywhere. Stay safe. Not long
now.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572794433214731506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063256397339109759.post-29757579127579682382015-12-07T00:52:00.001-08:002015-12-07T00:52:35.758-08:00Alpaire Day 12<div class="MsoPlainText">
The stronger wind of the last few days is now dropping.
We had a noon to noon run of 187 miles. Furia who is leading did 191. Taistalai
(in second place) covered 185 miles. Bam from Howth, in the racing class, did
197. Sully and the guys in the Kinsale boat Crackerjack covered 175. We have
760 miles to go but our daily runs over the next while will be less because the
breeze is softening. That is roughly the length of a Round Ireland race.
However, we expect to complete our voyage without any headwinds and can expect
much more benign conditions.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
The sky last night was spectacular. Jupiter is making
moves and closing in on the moon. Mars is no longer in alignment, but Venus is
in hot pursuit. It you visualise standing on the Earth's surface and looking
into space, then the constellations that appear upright from the Northern
latitudes appear to be on their side when viewed from close to the equator.
Orion is on its side here and its belt has become a zip! It is a wonder then
that it took so long for civilisation to accept that the Earth was round. It
just shows that it is very hard for humans to question preconcieved notions. If
your belief was that celestial bodies moved about the heavens, then the
constellations and the stars comprised in them were no longer a fixed frame of
reference. As a result of this fundamentally flawed starting point it is
impossible to deduce that the Earth is round. We have to continually question
the foundations on which we base our views.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Des is reading Eric Hiscock's ocean sailing text book
written in 1959. He is particularly interested in the bit about pest control.
We think that he thinks that it is something to do with managing crew. I must
remind him about the Flat Earth Society.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
All transoceanic sailors write about becoming delusional.
The skipper thinks that he is in control of the pests. If the truth be known
Jan and Susan planted a really smart device in the auto pilot. Jan issues
instructions from his computer. It gives misleading information to the boat's
navigational instruments, which we rely on to sail the boat. We think we are
going to St Lucia. Jan has programmed us to go to Crans Montana in Switzerland.
Remember Apollo 13! I hope he has a routing programme for the Alps.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
We saw a ship today, a small tanker. It passed about
three miles South of us. We also saw a yacht in the distance in the afternoon.
She crossed about two and a half miles ahead of us but had no AIS signal so we
were unable to make a positive identification. Her course was quite Northerly
so she may not be part of the ARC. We wonder where she is coming from and going
to? Surely everybody is going to the rum party in St Lucia.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
The fleet got the following message from ARC control
today "At 1940 (UTC) 3 December, ARC Rally Control was contacted by the skipper
of yacht Magritte (ID 164) to advise the yacht was taking on water. The source
of the ingress could not be identified or stemmed and the four crew on board
indicated that assistance was required as the situation worsened. On the advice
of MRCC (Marine Rescue Coordination Center) Falmouth, a MAYDAY was issued and
the yacht's EPIRB (Electronic Position Indicating Radio Beacon) activated. The
liferaft was readied in anticipation of a possible need to abandon the yacht.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
MRCC Cape Verde coordinated the evacuation of the crew.
Cargo vessel SCL Basilea diverted to provide assistance, reaching Magritte at
approximately 0500 (UTC). The crew were safely evacuated and are all well on
board SCL Basilea which is now en route to Spain. Magritte was abandoned at approximate
position 16 44.36N 027 27.82W."</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
That position is just West of the Cape Verde islands. The
daily weather briefing suggests that conditions there today were 15 to 20 knots
ENE with 2 to 3 meter swells. Earlier in the voyage we heard that that boat was
taking water, and heading for the Cape Verdes. It is great that the rescue
services were able to implement an efficient rescue. I always think that it is
a pity that they do not ensure that any abandoned boat sinks. It is now a
danger to others at night, but of course it is far to the East of us. The fact
that the ARC is an organised event with many boats, de-risks the ocean voyage
for everybody. The middle of the Atlantic is the most exposed area as the fleet
by then has has separated, there is no shipping, and shore based rescue by
helicopter is not possible. In our position, with circa 760 miles to go by
noon, the fleet is converging, there is some shipping, weather conditions are
good and we don't have too far to go. </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
I must conclude with fishing and supper. No more
excitement! The boats that are catching lots of fish are doing so with rods.
They know immediately if they have a strike. We are trailing lines with some
shock cord to demonstrate the load at any time. We are now convinced that we
need to count those three strikes we had on the double. It is obvious that
first we caught a whopper on each line, but because we were busy we did not
notice it. Then something even bigger came and ate the lot! What we have
managed to catch is plenty of floating "saragosso" weed. There is
plenty of that about. Certain members of the crew think that this is a sure
cure for scurvy, of which more anon. Me thinks it is further confirmation that
certain members of the crew are delusional!</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
There is plenty of that about too!</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
That's all for now from all of us on Alpaire, with just a
Round Ireland to do!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572794433214731506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063256397339109759.post-52829141567429896672015-12-04T00:42:00.002-08:002015-12-04T00:42:51.633-08:00Alpaire Day 11<div class="MsoPlainText">
We had a great days run to noon, 180 miles closer to our
destination. 947 to go at noon today. All the boats I mentioned yesterday did
between 176 and 178 miles. So we are all enjoying these fresh conditions -
Force 5 from a little North of East. The sea has increased a little with the
wind. We got a bit of a wave into the cockpit last night, the first in the trip
to date. Sam had another seawater shower but without the shampoo. So far our
rib, which is on davitts at the stern, has stayed dry. We have a quick release
system in the event of an emergency. It's called a knife.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
We had just gybed onto starboard when I sent yesterdays
email. We are sailing due West @270 degrees. Last evening/night was the darkest
so far because we had plenty of cloud, some of it stratus and also no moon
until the early hours. We reduced sail by taking a few rolls on the jibs and
the main. The highest gust was circa 25 knots. These conditions are forecasted
to continue for a few days. If we get any little shift to the East we will take
it to get further South. We are at latitude 17 degrees and 50 minutes. Our
destination is at 14N. So we have to eventually get circa 240 miles further
South. The weather forecast is suggesting that the wind will go into the East
in about three days. We can gybe then so we do not have to make any progress
South for now.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
As the wind got up and the waves began to splash we
thought it best to take in the washing. Drewry is still looking for his
underpants. The rest of us are looking for the best dressed Wahoo in the Ocean.
Beckham has competition. </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
When the shackle at the top of the jibs parted on one of
the first few days out of Gran Canaria we also tore a few meters of luff rope
near the head. That was another reason to take a few rolls in the jibs. Remember
that we have two jibs on the one foil, so they roll together at the press of a
button.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
I was searching for a few more nuts to add to my porridge
for breakfast. Unfortunately the supply of edible nuts is running low. Our
complement of nut cases is as healthy as before. Des found a bag of Stainless
Nuts under the forward bunk, not good with porridge me thinks.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Joxer emailed us with the long anticipated news.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
"The big Pharma is happening. Pfizer has gone from
31.3 on 23rd Nov to 33.6 this morning but has receded to 32.9 this evening on
the news that you have run out of yellow bags."</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
That is just as we expected. If you acted on our advice
we will expect you to be buying your own Halberg Rassy for next years ARC.
Remember that share prices can go down as well as up. No liability of any kind
is accepted for any mistakes you make in this regard. Nor do we expect to
benefit from your good fortune. I should also like to remind you that the flap
of a butterfly's wing in St Lucia on the 9th of December can affect the weather
in Ireland on Xmas day! Remember cause and effect!</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Still no more fish. Two boats on the SSB net reported
seeing whales breaching. Another hit a whale. Another caught a barracuda. </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
In a desperate attempt to preserve the integrity of their
RIYC flag the patrons of the Alpaire charity have proposed tieing the corners
of the ensign to the radar support pole, thereby adding to our sail area and
moving the centre of effort of the sails lower. The dissenting members of the
crew have pointed out that this idea is not incompatible with using the crown
on the ensign to add to the colour of our fish lures. All good transoceanic
downwind sails have a neat hole for stabilisation, note for example the recent
growth in parasail spinnakers! This discussion is not over and we are becoming
more desperate. When it comes to a vote, Des C is conflicted and has a foot in
both camps.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
The prospect that we will soon run out of the delicious
cooked meals provided by Margaret, Jo, Angela and Eleanor, is looking like reality.
To alleviate this mental distress Des T (of the Ballymaloo school) cooked us an
Alpaire paella, without fish of course. It will be on the menu in future as
Paella Sin Pisces. He used the electrical skillet to great effect. The idea was
suggested to us by Noel and the crew of Emelia who did the ARC in their HR48 a
few years ago. The skillet on full power draws 60 or 70 amps, so we can only
use it when the smart battery controller is in the mood. It is very practical
with its own lid and is independent of our gas cooker.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Joxer also commented about our difficulties with the
smart controller which we will investigate. On a practical note Joxer suggested
we test the battery voltage at the terminals. We did turf Drewry out of his
bunk to do just that ..result ...battery voltage A Ok but one irate sleepy
Drewry.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Joxer's other suggestion is still under appraisal, he
proposed a very practical alternative. "If that doesn't work why not try
linking Drewry's head in series rather than in parallel. It will at least put
more voltage through Drewry what ever about the controller."</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
All well here enjoying the sail.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572794433214731506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063256397339109759.post-42461706420427045782015-12-03T05:49:00.003-08:002015-12-04T00:47:04.762-08:00Messages to the crew (Part 8)<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u>Jeffrey Ryan</u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hi Alpaire ,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sounds like you are all getting into the
groove...........gins before dinner followed by a movie......What would
Christopher Columbus make of you all!!! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You are making impressive time so you should be
liming in St. Lucia on the rum shortly!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Impressed you haven't resorted to engine assist mode
for speed but good to hear your new found spinnaker got a blast</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Weather is fairly miserable back here ( unrelenting
rain at the moment ) and apparently we have just had one of the windiest
November ever with the fastest windspeed in 70 years.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Keep up the pace and safe sailing.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Francis</u></b><br />
<br />
This blog is very addictive. I missed the last Sunday. If i understand well, you are slowly closing in on number 2 talstealai. Congratulations! Has the spinaker halyard disappeared into the mast? For fishing, we used successfully a device that makes the lure swim up and down and sideways. The fish react to flickering and movement.<br /><br />All the best<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572794433214731506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063256397339109759.post-46389834495869143742015-12-03T01:27:00.000-08:002015-12-03T01:27:12.682-08:00Messages to the crew (Part 7)<b><u>Tadhg Pearson</u></b><br />
<br />
Glad to hear you're having fun. Thick fog here in Boston, couldn't see to the end of the street earlier. <br />So I'll keep an eye out for the boat with the yellow and pink gloves trailing out the back as I fly over the Atlantic in the other direction tomorrow :)<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><u>Paul Burke</u></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Hi Alpaire,<br />Fascinating reading the log and feeling the excitement building. 22 Tons averaging the daily runs you are doing is good going.! Well done. <br />Its torture sitting here in grey Dublin and reading about champagne sailing every day!<br />Bon voyage<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><u>Hannah Ganly</u></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Richard hope all well. Reading blog every night. Obviously no fishermen on board. Big wind here. <br />Robert & Sandra<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572794433214731506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063256397339109759.post-78728217977864031612015-12-03T01:19:00.000-08:002015-12-03T01:19:01.574-08:00Alpaire Day 10<div class="MsoPlainText">
The Wind has been fairly constant at circa Force 4 from
the East, but is forecasted to go NE and strengthen to Force 5. We are
continuing to sail South West (230 degrees true) in order to have a better
angle for the inevitable gybe. Our direct course is 260 degrees True and the
distance is 1127. We got 164 miles closer to our destination in the period noon
to noon. (Bam 158, Crackerjack 170, Taistalai/ Chris Tibbs 161). We do not have
a reliable distance sailed log, but distance to go from the GPS is all that
matters. Our progress yesterday did not go un-noticed. On the SSB net today we
were asked by Mrs/Ms Tibbs if we were still carrying a spinnaker.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
At circa 1100 miles to go we have enough fuel to get
there if we had to use the engine. We have used some diesel for the generator.
Occasionally we run the engine to recharge the batteries and give the generator
a rest.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
We have been having a problem with the readings from the
smart controller which was saying that our starting battery voltage was low and
that input from the generator to the service batteries was a few amps even
though it was saying that those batteries were circa 80% full. As you know the
charge going into the batteries decreases the fuller that they get. Normally we
would expect it to charge at a few amps when the batteries are 99% full. At 80%
full we would expect the rate of charge to be circa 80 amps. First we had to
get an irate Drury out of bed (all in a good cause, since the batteries are
underneath). We checked the actual voltage of the starter battery with a volt
meter and it was 13.5 volts. That means the smart controller is not so smart.
We discovered an inverse correlation between the smart controller voltage
readings and the angst of a certain member of the ship's company. We don't have
a fully tested method of measurement for the angst. It is similar to the
Ric hter scale and is definitely
logarithmic. We intend to attach the meter to the lugs on the side of his head.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Most days we do not see any other boats. However since
early morning we have been sailing parallel to Marlene F, a Colombian
registered Oyster 66. We have a visual on her and can see her on the AIS. We
saw her a few days ago and parted company as we headed on a more Southerly
route using the assymetric. They told us they do not have a spinnaker. They do
not seem to be able to sail as deep as us with our twin pole etc. At the moment
our courses are converging slightly and we seem to be of similar speed. They
are five miles away.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Back to fishing news. Again we have no successes to
report. We lost another lure overnight. This time I think it was due to rust
and being in the water for too long!</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Mark writes "Charles has some tips for catching
Dorado. He says do this and you will get a dorado within 1 hour at any speed,
guaranteed :-).You need four or five squid skirts (aka lures) on the same line.
(Or yourbit of yellow glove might work just as well). Space them out 1.5 - 2m
apart, over a knot in the line and a small weight. Put the last squid skirt at
the end of the line with a triple hook inside it. (The others don't need a
hook). Also put a reasonable weight further up the line so it all runs a bit
deeper under the surface (to avoid catching birds. Probably not a problem where
you are!). He says it's guaranteed dinner."</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Des and Sam jumped into action. Multiple squids and
weights were deployed. Des started the stop watch. It is now 127 minutes and
counting.....</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
I can reveal we have a number of new strategies which we
are about to deploy. The first strategy is to use the alu foil from the statin
packaging. Hence my hint the other day to buy big pharma, Pfizer etc. We are a
bit cut off from the world here. Has there been any movement in the share price
due to this price sensitive information? Our next strategy is a little more
controversial. We are running out of yellow shopping bags. The majority of the
crew have decided that we should use the crown on the RIYC ensign. We can
probably cut it out very neatly. It is too big anyhow and serves no useful
purpose. I can't remember who the last king of Ireland was.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
All well here enjoying the sail.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
PS. just gybed, wind 23 knots, boat speed 8.5 knots
sailing 270 degrees true.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572794433214731506noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063256397339109759.post-48445957619368271102015-12-02T00:38:00.002-08:002015-12-02T00:38:31.807-08:00Alpaire day 9<div class="MsoPlainText">
Champagne sailing today, a gentle Force 3 to 4 from the
East is speeding us towards St Lucia. It was 1291 miles away at noon. That
means we have passed the half way point. We also crossed the 20th parrallel
heading South West. Our 128 miles noon to noon is marginally better than Sully
in his Oyster 53 Crackerjack (125 miles) and Bam (115 miles), a Jeanneau Sun
fast 3600 (in the racing class) from Howth. The distances are low because of
the light winds across the fleet.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
The breeze started to build as forecasted during the
night. Yesterday evening was as expected very light. We decided to keep the
assymetric flying as darkness fell. Sometimes the wind got down to three or
four knots. </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Jan and Susan emailed us: "Great find that gennaker.
Perhaps it improves the (mis-)match between the polar data in the router and
reality. Perhaps not! Susan says: where was it stowed? has it a lot of mildew?
why was it never seen before?" I don't think we have enough data to reach
conclusions on the polar with or without the assymetric. The sea conditions are
very important and whether or not we can get laminar flow across the sails.
Susan's questions are easier to answer in reverse. Sails get mildew when stowed
wet. This was still in the plastic bag! I suspect that it never got used before
because of the 110hp Volvo Penta with a press button start. Me thinks a suspect
capital investment appraisal process! Drury must have had a comfort break
during that Board meeting. Notwithstanding this extravagance from the days of
the Celtic Tiger, all the crew were delighted when it flew. A better investment
than bank shares, me thinks.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Night time attire is now shorts, tee shirt and life
jacket, no huddling under the shed. However that increases the risk of being
hit in the face by a low flying fish. These nights the moon is 62% full and
rose just after 01:00. Jupiter got out of bed at about 3:00 am followed by Mars
at 04:30. </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
At 03:51 the assymetric came down of its own accord. Des
and Drury were on watch and said they were planning to take it down anyway, but
they would say that would'nt they. (No Mandy Rice Davis here to prompt them).
The halyard parted due to wear at the sheaf at the top of the mast, after circa
16 hours of use in light conditions on a gentle sea! Bad design or specification
by HR I think. It is also possible that Jupiter, Mars and Venus were giving us
a fishing alternative. So we reset the twin headsails.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Then we had to deal with the vang. The hydraulic seals
were leaking internally. We were losing pressure and the vang was unable to
keep the leech of the mainsail tight. We tried to get the leech down by using
the block and tackle from the check stays and pulling the mainsheet to centre
line. It is now kompletely kaput with a nice buckle in the ram. So Richard
disconnected it from the foot of the mast. The block and tackle is working
fine. All of these things happened while we had the light of the moon. When
Venus rose from her slumber at 05:30 all was ship shape.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Thank you for your emails. Some of our readers are most
erudite.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Joxer writes "Congratulations on bagging a Dorado.
These start life as Lampuki in the Mediterranean and become Dorado as they get
older and eventually Mahi Mahi, but I was told many years ago by a Bajan
(Barbadian???) that they have to be over 5kg to be Mahi Mahi. The big ones are
best marinated and barbecued. I'm sure Wikipedia has a different story. London
Dry is very expensive for killing and is better for drinking. Larius is cheaper
but you can only get it in Spain at he right price. €7.00 for 1 litre in
Spanish airports and its drinkable.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
The pink rubber glove works as well as the yellow one but
only at dawn. The yellow is better at dusk. The slower speeds are better for
the Dorado and the higher speeds seem to be better for Tuna."</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Joxer confirms his belief in pink power. The despatch
methodology seems to me to be an excellent and humane use for gin and the fish
tasted all the better for it!</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Currently running directly to St Lucia at 6.5 knots. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572794433214731506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063256397339109759.post-65082168546918704442015-12-01T00:55:00.003-08:002015-12-01T00:55:17.374-08:00Alpaire day 8<div class="MsoPlainText">
Well we have news, some important price sensitive
information for a public company. You are warned, it may affect the share
price! More of that later. </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Conditions are lovely except for the wind which is a bit
light at 6 to 8 knots. That is entirely as forecasted for the main areas where
our fleet are. We are now making our dash South. The wind is forecasted to
gradually increase over the next 48 hours. Our 24 hour distance made good to St
Lucia was 127 Miles. That looks great compared with most of the fleet. For
example; Taistealai, skippered by Chris Tibbs, a meterologist who advises
professionally on routing etc and is lying second, made 111 miles to the good.
Maybe we were lucky. We concentrated on boat speed. It must be in approximately
the right direction. However we are North of Chris and most of the fleet, so
hence the need to get South.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
This morning we unveiled our secret weapon, never used
before, an asymmetric spinnaker on a roller. That has given us extra speed.
When we get into the grove we can occasionally manage 7 knots on a true wind of
9 to 10 knots. It is all about getting the apparent wind to work for us. Every
now and again a wave swings the stern and we lose the apparent wind effect. Our
average is better than six knots with this rig in 9 to 10 knots of wind. The
success of our routing strategy all depends on whether or not the others are
getting a better angle towards St Lucia.
</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
The orcas, marlins and wahoos have been very aggresive.
With two more strikes they took the bait and snapped the wire, twice! That also
proves that we don't have a problem with knots. Then shortly after 10am, before
the night watch were fully awake, we caught a dorado. Congratulations to Sam
and Des. We will bring back the photos to prove it. The dorado was a beautiful
golden colour when it was in the water. Hence the name, from gold (in Spanish
?). I understand that it is also called Mahi Mahi. Our speed at the time was
3.5 knots. This gave Des the chance to use the gaff to land the fish. He has
been wanting to use that for a number of years now. Hard cheese for the
Dorado! Then we applied the Larious
London Dry Gin to each gill. Now I know the origin of the expression full to
the gills. Sam cooked it on the skillet for lunch and served it with a fine
Spanish white (Rioja) and a slice of lemon.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
I can now reveal the price sensitive information to the
faithful followers of Alpaire's progress. The dorado was caught on an
artificial lure fashioned from the yellow part of a Morrison's super market
bag. I described this previously as an El Corte Ingles shopping bag, in case
any spies or the CIA were tuned in of course.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
We have two further strategies for fishing. I will
consider revealing all tomorrow , if I have space. In the meantime keep an eye
on the share price of the major pharma companies.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
All well on Alpaire as we sail SW in a gentle breeze and
a calm sea. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572794433214731506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063256397339109759.post-56734483427636952642015-11-30T00:57:00.000-08:002015-11-30T01:14:01.630-08:00Messages to the crew (Part 6)<b><u>Hannah Ganly</u></b><br />
<br />
Richard hope all well. Reading blog every night. Obviously no fishermen on board. Big wind here. <br />
Robert & Sandra<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><u>Jeffrey Ryan</u></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hi Alpaire,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Really enjoying reading your daily blog and watching your
progress on the tracker.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The weather here in Dublin is very wet and stormy (Turkey
shoot was cancelled on Sunday) so envious to hear of the improving
conditions for you !!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At this stage you must be really well settled into a
routine and find the days flying by...........hopefully you will land an
elusive fish before the trip finishes!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well done on 3rd place ..........good to see the competitive
spirit!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(presume an earlier reference to Peter Pan was
actually Des)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seaya</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jeff</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572794433214731506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063256397339109759.post-25991952748806220662015-11-30T00:46:00.000-08:002015-11-30T00:46:02.112-08:00Alpaire Day 7<div class="MsoPlainText">
We are now a week at sea on Alpaire. I am sure that you
think that a lot of us have been at sea all our lives. We covered 150 miles
noon to noon, (that is velocity made good to our destination VMG). Our actual distance
through the water was more. We measure the distance to go to St Lucia to
calculate VMG. Our actual through the water distance was more because we are
sailing at an angle to the direct route in order to increase our speed. That
angle depends on the wind direction.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
This is fabulous sailing, the skies are mainly blue like
the sea, winds are F3 to F4 from astern and the fish are flying. We had very
few rain showers in the last 24 hours. Dress code is shorts and teeshirt. Sam
had a saltwater shower using a special German shampoo (of the Wahoo and Yahoo
family). Being the Sabbeth, Des allowed the rest of us a freshwater shower.
Anybody contemplating the ARC should have a water maker and a generator. One of
the boats on the SSB net reported that they made 60 litres of water. Alpaire's
water maker makes that quantity in 20 minutes. Strange thing is that we can
only hear the large boats close to us. Fingers crossed, pride comes before a
fall.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
We are at 36 degrees West. Every 15 degrees is one hour
of time difference (360 degrees divided by 24 hours). I was curious as to the
time of sunrise. I consulted the Pocket Universe App on my iPhone, 08:43 at
UTC/GMT -2. </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
When it rose in the morning we noticed lots of sea birds.
We were excited by the equation (birds = fish). They seemed to be taking one
look at our lure and concluding that we were amateurs, no need to waste time,
these guys are not going to catch anything. But we had a direct bite, probably
a marlin or an orca. This morning our yellow squiddy bait, hook, spinner and
everything had been taken. It could also have been a direct strike by a
10/10/20 bag! Des is still doing a technical analysis of the broken line. He
wants to consult Sherlock Holmes when we get back.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
All well on the good ship Alpaire, greetings to all.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572794433214731506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063256397339109759.post-2531767014732330792015-11-28T11:32:00.000-08:002015-11-28T11:32:31.104-08:00Alpaire Day 6<div class="MsoPlainText">
The fair ship Alpaire continues to enjoy settled weather
with occasional showers during the day and 15 knots from the NE. The day time
temperature is circa 25 degrees. Night watches are now in shorts with a jacket
for the rain which we get at some time each evening or night. We are
maintaining our Westerly course waiting for the wind to go more East. Then we
will gybe. At the moment our detailed routing calculations suggest tomorrow
morning at 07:35 should be the opportune time. (our = Jan somewhere in Europe
we think, and me). The exact timing depends on how long a forecast period is
covered by the weather grib. Predicted meterological events in ten days time
have the same probability of 1 as wind shifts in tomorrow's forecast. As you
will appreciate this is an exact science and practitioners are never wrong.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
We made 163 miles noon to noon and are now 1695 miles
directly from our destination.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
We did not get to see Jupiter and pals before dawn as
there was a big raining cloud this morning . They let us know of their presence
with a bit of lightening. We can see the extent of the rain in the cloud and
its movement relative to us on the radar. We were able to sail a more Northerly
course to avoid the worst of it.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
However Venus and Tinker Belle have competition as we
have our own Bimbo on board. Yes, procured for us by Angela, Jo, and Margaret,
in that well known den of iniquity - el Corte Ingles. Bimbo is a stowaway and
shares the forward cabin with Sam and me. Sam is the ship's doctor and is
adamant that Bimbo is not good for our health - (long life white bread). Des
specialises in Bimbo sandwiches and served them toasted today. For the
technocrats it is one minute and 23 seconds, any less than that its hard cheese,
too long a bit carcinogenic.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Last night the fish came to us. We had two flying fish on
deck this morning. We think that the collective noun for flying fish depends on
what they are doing at the time.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
In the water, it is a shoal,</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
In the air, it is a flock</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
In pairs, it is bait, or a meal!</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
On the SSB radio net one boat reported that they had
caught eight fish so far. They brought live squid as bait. They caught another
big un as we spoke. I thought that he said a marlin but that was the name of
the boat. They were planning to get out the golf clubs to deliver the coup de
grace, Mulligans allowed.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
All the best from Alpaire, we are enjoying 8 knots in 16
knots of breeze sailing 270 True, due West into the setting sun, and it is
steak for dinner, again!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572794433214731506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063256397339109759.post-27901598151743696692015-11-28T05:53:00.001-08:002015-11-28T05:53:34.438-08:00Alpaire Day 5<div class="MsoPlainText">
The wind deserted us yesterday evening. A large cloud,
nine miles across, with lots of rain around mid-night put a dampner on the wind
as well. We had four to six knots of breeze for about six hours. At least it
was still behind us. We covered 137 miles from noon to noon. A 200 mile run is
just an aspiration (one of Des's many dreams). The swell is now a lot less as
well and the motion of the boat is easy.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
We have company here with one boat to the North all night
and during the day. He is carrying a spinnaker, gybing back and forth, but
usually is within 3 to 10 miles of us. At one stage last night we were
struggling at 3 knots but he was doing 8 even though it was a clear sky and he
was only 3 miles away! On the SSB radio call some said that they were using
their engine. They must have a lot of diesel.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
We are still sailing North of due West (280 degrees) on
the fastest course that suits our rig. The direct course to St Lucia is 257
degrees true. The weather gribs are suggesting that the wind will get fairly
light here in the next few days so that early tonight we may gybe and head
sharply South. We will make our decision on the latest available forecast. Our
direct distance to go is circa 1830 miles, in a straight line.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
When the rain cloud passed we had a beautiful peaceful
night with the moon again providing great light. Then before dawn we had
Jupiter, Mars and Venus in procession exactly aligned and following the moon.
The Ancient Greeks would have concluded that this miraculous configuration was
a potent of things to come. Why were those three gods marching in formation?
What was up? Fortunately Mars was not first - that would surely have meant war!
We decided that it was the dawning of the age of Alpaire. Check it out if you
get a clear sky in the morning. Better still write the lyrics!</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
We got our answer at 09:30 this morning. The swivel
shackel attaching both jibs onto the swivel for the furler at the top of the
foil parted. Both jibs came down. So Peter Pan had to take to the air and
follow Venus into the sky to retrieve the furler. We were back in action with
both jibs within 90 minutes. We also had time to address some wear on the jib
sheets and on the topping lift. The latter is particularly curious because it
comes out of the front of the mast with no allowance for the fact that the pole
can be set almost at right angles to the center line of the boat. </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Todays competition is to identify Peter Pan. I think that
Ellen McArthur has a soul mate.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
We had tuna for lunch at last, but out of a tin. We have
concluded that the Wahoos are slippery customers just like their first cousins
- the Yahoos in the Law Library! Aonghus you might forward this to Patrick O'Reilly
as we had to guess his email and it bounced. We promise no more insults to your
bretheren in return. </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
We are still using a yellow squid and a fishy thing. We
put the lines out at dawn and will run them through the night. We have also had
a full range of speed. So even if the Yahoos are a bit slow.... </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
We think that Ria is correct. The bird was a long tailed
skua (stercorariuslongicaudus, page 167 Collins guide to Birds of Britain and
Europe).</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Happy ship, all ok here.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572794433214731506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063256397339109759.post-68239435715861097992015-11-27T04:48:00.001-08:002015-11-27T04:48:24.575-08:00Messages to the crew (part 5)<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><u>Tim Carpenter</u></b></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Hi Finn,</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Nice day 4 update.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Been tracking your progress and see you are been persued
by a very calm patch ...keep the vmg up!</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
missing nothing here in
Dublin, nice damp soft weather followed by tropical rain.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
but then you are closer to Saint Lucia than to Dublin
bay.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
See team Brunel should be in st Lucia in the next 60
hours if she keeps her speed up!</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Great to see you are holding your 3rd place.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
best </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
T & D</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572794433214731506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063256397339109759.post-46065105312773161422015-11-27T00:48:00.002-08:002015-11-27T00:48:24.825-08:00Alpaire Day 4<div class="MsoPlainText">
Another good run yesterday, 180 miles, noon to noon. The
max wind speed was circa 27 knots during the night. We had rain showers until
about 4 am, but no real wind gusts. He had rolled the main because of the gusts
we experienced the night before. We set it again at 5 am because the rain
showers had died out and it looked as if we were unlikely to get any strong
gusts. That proved to be the right call. We gybed a few times to maximise our
VMG (velocity made good towards St Lucia). </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
The full moon came up shortly after dusk. It was a
beautiful sight, slightly orange in colour, occasionally covered by cloud.
Eventually the sky filled with cloud but the moonlight was strong enough to
give good visibility. We are wearing long sleeves and a waterproof jacket on watch
at night. The temperature is very pleasant, about 22 degrees.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
The remaining cloud burned off this morning and we had a
beautiful day. Wind is a bit less at 12 to 17 knots from slightly North of
East. The dolphins made an early appearance. We are getting very interesting
weather information. The stronger winds are on the more Northerly route. That
is expected to change in a few days and the routing software says we should all
then gybe onto port and head South quickly to find stronger winds later. The timing
will be critical. Too late and we will be left behind in 6 to 8 knots. We
notice on the daily email of boat positions that the boats in the racing class
are implementing that strategy.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
This afternoon the sky clouded over and it is fairly
humid. We can expect rain and perhaps squalls into the night.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Can anybody identify a white bird a little smaller than a
seagull but black and white underneath with a long thin tail like a spear and
pointed wing tips like a tern? Des thinks it is a frigate bird?</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Ria advised us that "Bjorn used to make the lures -
he would make a squid from the finger of an old kitchen glove. It had to be a
yellow glove. With yellow squids we caught tuna, wahoo, spanish mackeral,
dorado. Any other colour, we caught nothing. The right speed is important. At 8
knots you might be sailing too fast. We tended to catch fish at 5.5 to 6.5
knots." Thanks Ria your email arrived just in time, and provided another
set of excuses for Sam and Des. Immediately Sam sprang into action. Des did not
want to sacrifice a rubber glove even though as Richard says we would have ten
lures, if we pretended that they were one armed squids. The compromise was bits
from a yellow shopping bag. I think that we should have saved the bag for the
next time we get back to El Corte Ingles! We also managed to get our speed
right when the wind dropped at lunch time. Perhaps feeding time for the wahoos
is different than for the crew.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Tell Margaret that we are looking forward to her chicken
dinner tonight.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Find below an update of the ARC fleet today:</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Magarite: diverting to Cape Verde to fix vang and boom.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Calypso: taking on water through their transom door.
Sailing south to calmer waters to assess and make repairs.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Duffy: Dismasted this morning following a strong gust and
broach. All crew and the boats watertight integrity are ok. Yacht 'Marlene F'
assisted with the transfer of 180 litres of diesel. Duffy are now motoring to
El Hierro with emergency VHF antenna in use. YB Tracking increased to positions
every hour and the coastguard have been informed. No further assistance
required at this time.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Mark and Ria thanks for the emails. I (Finn) was a bit
too cautious about the use of our credit. Emails are great from family and
friends. We timed the text only ones, ie no attachments, and they send receive
very quickly, so unlikely to cost much.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
All well here and the best to everybody at home.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572794433214731506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063256397339109759.post-51059184959976245032015-11-26T02:36:00.001-08:002015-11-26T06:58:25.166-08:00Messages to the crew (Part 4)<div aria-label="Comment" class="_48ph _48pi _4204 UFIRow UFIComment display _4oep" data-ft="{"tn":"R3"}" role="article" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; border-top-color: rgb(225, 226, 227); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.08px; margin: 0px; padding: 8px 12px 4px; position: relative; word-wrap: break-word;">
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<span class="fwn fcg" style="color: #9197a3;"><span class="fwb fcg" data-ft="{"tn":";"}" style="font-weight: bold;"><span aria-hidden="true"></span><a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=100010654754574&extragetparams=%7B%22fref%22%3A%22nf%22%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/jo.mcallister.967?fref=nf" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">Jo McAllister</a><span aria-hidden="true"></span><span class="accessible_elem" style="clip: rect(1px 1px 1px 1px); height: 1px; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; width: 1px;"> </span><i class="mhs img sp_ViXfUVkbGP1 sx_db7e00" style="background-image: url(https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/rsrc.php/v2/yj/r/vsxZ1bwpobL.png); background-position: -53px -412px; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: auto; display: inline-block; height: 9px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; width: 11px;"><u style="left: -999999px; position: absolute;">to</u></i><span class="accessible_elem" style="clip: rect(1px 1px 1px 1px); height: 1px; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; width: 1px;"> </span><a class="_wpv" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=100004619221670&extragetparams=%7B%22fref%22%3A%22nf%22%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/richard.mcallister.923?fref=nf" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; word-break: break-word;">Richard Mc Allister</a></span></span></span></h5>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="fsm fwn fcg"><a class="_5pcq" href="https://www.facebook.com/richard.mcallister.923/posts/531922940305009" style="color: #9197a3; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target=""><abbr class="_5ptz timestamp livetimestamp" data-shorten="1" data-utime="1448493765" style="border-bottom-style: none;" title="Wednesday, 25 November 2015 at 23:22"><span class="timestampContent" id="js_2">11 hrs</span></abbr></a></span><span aria-hidden="true" role="presentation"> · </span></span><br />
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Richard Force five message came through but my reply not delivered xx Jo</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 1.38;"><b><u>John Leckey</u></b></span><br />
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To Uel and Alpaire crew, best wishes from John, Barbara
and all the members of Arran Yacht Club.
Monitoring your progress and great to see you in 3rd. Remember to keep your dagger board up!! BTW, just had a lovely pint of Guinness -
cool and creamy, yummy, yummy. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572794433214731506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063256397339109759.post-73736995381961682392015-11-26T00:48:00.002-08:002015-11-26T00:48:27.205-08:00Day 3 update and fleet update<div class="MsoPlainText">
We had a great run and sailed 193 miles from noon
yesterday to noon today (as the seagull flies)
Only another 2,125 miles to go! No seabirds at all. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
The steak for supper is likely to be four legged. Neither
of our fishermen could earn a living from it. They say that it was the pod of
40 unruly teenage dolphins playing at the bow that was their handicap, ie they
frightened the tuna and doradoes away.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
The last few nights we had fabulous light from the moon.
Even though we had some cloud cover, it was thin and visibility was very good.
We had a few squalls of 30/33 knots during the night. We are making 8 knots
plus and the squalls are from aft so the impact is equivalent to 22/25 knots.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today started bright and sunny but it became overcast
with showers and squalls (35 to 38 knots) in the afternoon. We have rolled our
main. Water evaporates from the surface of the sea during the day due to the
heat of the sun. That humid air cools at night time giving the short lived
showers and squalls, which are downdrafts with the rain. We can see the rain on
the radar and have plenty of warning. I wonder if the rain squalls will be less
tonight in view of the overcast afternoon?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
We are running a three hour on and six hour off watch
system. One crew changes every 90 minutes. So we have adjusted and fresh eyes
on watch at any time. The first schedule ran from 18:00 on Sunday to 18:00
today which if left unchanged would then repeat at that time. (3 hours on plus
6 off repeats at 18 hours, so we let it run for 3 days as 72 divides by 9). We
change the sequencing today and will run the new one for another 72 hours.
Watches and SSB radio calls are all on UTC (GMT). The ships clock will be
changed every four days to adjust for the change in daylight as we travel West.
Our meal times are based on the ships clock.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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No more boats to be seen on the AIS. We are all alone on
the wide wide sea. Dermot B says that return emails are ok provided no pictures
or video attachments and that it is telephone calls on the Sat Phone that
really eat the credit. So the odd email is good.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Fleet update:<o:p></o:p></div>
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- Luna Rosa: Reported at 0848 UTC 24/11 their danbuoy and
horseshoe buoy were lost overboard in position 27,17.390 N 020,56.513 W. All
crew are well. The coastguard have been informed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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- Vahine, Oberon and Hanse Sailor have all departed Las
Palmas.<o:p></o:p></div>
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- Adventure: retired from ARC following rudder problems.<o:p></o:p></div>
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- Jolly Red: diverting to Cape Verde, Mindelo for engine
repairs.<o:p></o:p></div>
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- Southern Child: diverted to Tenerife for boom repairs.
Plan to depart soon.<o:p></o:p></div>
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- Laissez Faire: technical issues with SSB Radio. Cannot
perform net controller duties.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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All ok here, a happy ship.<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572794433214731506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063256397339109759.post-80168453102906866832015-11-25T03:47:00.000-08:002015-11-25T03:50:03.294-08:00Messages to the crew (Part 3)<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><b><u>John Bateson</u></b></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></div>
Hi Richard and the crew, Skipper included of course.<br />
<br />
You appear to be leading your class – very good.<br />
<br />
May I suggest you try ‘Down-Wind Tacking’ – It is essential with multi-hulls to take advantage of their boat speed – but I have found it also works to advantage with mono-hulls as well, However if you are already making max hull speed running dead before then it will not particularly help, but if not making max hull speed considerable gains improvement in course made good can be made. <br />
<br />
Good luck and less of this ‘fishing lark’ – that is all extra Drag!! Wait until you are becalmed for that!<br />
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All the best<br />
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span>
<b><u>Rachel Leckey</u></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.8px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span>
Following you on the tracker... Come on not winning yet! Hope all is well, lots of love.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572794433214731506noreply@blogger.com0