Day: November 7, 2018

 

 

You may have noticed I have borne away and heading for Spain or Portugal. I noticed a crack in my main bulkhead/frame this morning and hoped it was superficial, just the gel coat maybe. But it’s all the way through and obviously from the pounding last night. I sent photos to Paul who was not happy and he sent them on to the boat’s designer in France, Marc Lombard. Who has advised that these are repairs that can only be done ashore. (Paul and I discussed bolting the plywood hatchcovers for storage compartments but Marc says not strong enough.

So I’m heading for La Coruna, hopefully before next big front. I’m heartbroken but all is not lost - I can rejoin the race. Paul is sending a composites expert from UK to do the job. In some ways, from a safety point of view, it’s a good thing because there’s a long way to go and the tough conditions were beginning to show e.g. window in staysail blew out. Its leech is coming apart and the masthead unit ( which provides critical input to autopilot like windspeed and direction) seems to have become disconnected. I’m confident I could nurse the staysail and I have a backup masthead unit but very evident signs the boat is taking strain. The irony is that I have been sailing quite cautiously and very surprised that I was lying 19th when I hit these snags. 

Such a pity when I was actually feeling very good physically and mentally. I was over my seasickness and got in some good sleep last night. Anyway, I’m now headed for La Coruna off the wind so a bit more chilled. I’m going to cook up a delicious vegan freeze-dried meal, yum, and maybe get some sleep. I hope to be back on the course on Sunday when there’s a weather window.

Will keep you posted.
PS. Still honking 40 plus in the gusts.