We sailed outside 2.5 miles from “R2” bearing 120 degrees. the wind moved from 206 to 265; from nothing to 12 knots although it was mostly 7 knots. Full of holes and in the words of Commanders’ weather “A tough forecast” which in the end meant only one race was completed.
The weather co operated and by the time of our start we had an ebb tide and 12 knots from the south. After beating out to Beavertail; we set the big chute and jibed down the west passage in order to stay out of the current and in the best wind. After turning the corner at the north end of Connanicut Island we faces a beat to the finish off Ft. Adams. We were in the inside of the fleet for a 30 degree lift, But could not point and gave up any advantage we had gained. A great day of sailing and some rig tuning which should help our performance,
Here are images of the damage to “Beau Geste.” Taken from sailing Anarchy. Wow. We may eventually know what happened. I am wondering IF it is a transition area between high density and low density foam in the core?
Like many mornings I started out with one idea and soon moved to another. Today blame Larry Suter. He made a post on Facebook that triggered other thoughts.
Newport is about to start the summer sailing season in ernest. The New York Yacht Club spring regatta starting tomorrow, the following friday is the start of the Bermuda Race. The America’s Cup World Tour will be starting when I return from Bermuda. then Tall Ships. On and on. Many discussions have debated whether or not the expected crowds will materialize for the America’s Cup. I guess we will know soon.
Every photograph has a story, a memory, a smile, a friendship connected to it.
This weekend is the annual spring regatta of the New York Yacht Club. Next weekend is the start of the Bermuda Race.
Navigation has changed, like everything around us. Does anyone even reference chart symbols anymore? Almost everything one needs is on a computer screen now. GPS has made old skills, well old. While I still marvel at the past and the history of navigation. GPS tells one instantly the effect of the Gulf Stream, as example. No more dipping for bucket of water over the side and taking the temperature; which might have told one whether or not one was in the stream. But not until the next sun sight or star fix would one know what the effect of where one was; positive or negative. By then it was too late.
I included the photo of the retractable propeller designed in the 19th century just as a reminder that not so much has changed. Had the materials we have today been available to our predecessors, they would have reveled in the possibilities.
Beau Geste, Karl Kowk’s 80 foot Farr design has had a very ambitious campaign. Sailed hard and well. Yesterday she suffered a catastrophic failure of her hull while participating in the Auckland to Noumea race.
These kinds of events have attracted our attention since the beginning of sailing. Safety at sea has always been a priority; as it should be.
For me, I have always been intrigued by the solutions naval architects have arrived at for the structural integrity of yachts. No where do the words “Form Follows Function” have a more profound meaning. I am often surprised by the lack of what I consider common sense in structural design.
Only a few weeks ago “Belle Mente” had a similar problem; however it was during a shakedown sail, not while racing. One of the more public events have been “One Australia” during the America’s Cup in San Diego, which folded in half and sank. “Young America” folded but did not sink.
Published: 5:26AM Tuesday June 05, 2012 Source: ONE News
A yacht is now safely anchored off Norfolk Island’s capital Kingston, after suffering hull and decking damage while taking part in the Auckland to Noumea yacht race.
Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) mission co-ordinator Neville Blakemore said all 18 members of the crew were safe and in good spirits.
The 24-metre Beau Geste sought assistance from RCCNZ after it hit trouble around 7pm yesterday race around 185 kilometres (100 nautical miles) east of the island.
RCCNZ arranged for the yacht to be accompanied by the fishing vessel Advance 2 as it made its way to Norfolk Island.
“It would have been a long night for the crew, in difficult conditions, but the boat has made safe anchorage under its own power,” Blakemore said. “A support vessel was on hand throughout the night in case the crew had had to abandon ship.”
The yacht was equipped with two 10-man life rafts.
The crew is made up of New Zealanders, Australians, Chinese, with one American on board and all are described as experienced racers.
A cargo ship, Winchester Strait, responded to the rescue call to nearby vessels and was making its way to the stricken yacht. A Royal New Zealand Air Force P3 Orion was also on standby to assist if needed.
The official race website sailnoumea.com said that the Beau Geste withdrew from the Auckland to Noumea leg of Evolution Sails Sail Noumea at 8.20pm after suffering structural damage.
The Oliver Hazard Perry will be, I am told the second largest sail training ship in the united States, exceeded only by the Eagle which is run by the Coast Guard.
Today the process of loading 301,000 pounds of lead in 55 pound ingots was begun. It will all be internal ballast, hence laid in the bilge. The target launch of this ambitious project is July 2013. Anyone interested in this project should go to the web site. ( They are still in need of funds, although healthy)
Part of our Sunday travel yesterday was re-visiting places of my youth. I have mentioned a numb of times I carried a camera often. Here are some photos from then and now.
I have spent many weekends and more sailing, away from my wife and family. There is not a great deal of reason to regret. One can not undo the past. Frankly, I loved the sailing, but it did come at a price. It is something I did which was self centered. It did not include my family.
From time to time I do things with my wife away from the water. There are moments I feel like a duck out of water; but I never regret our sojourns. It has broadened my life.
Today, was one of those moments. A visit to the Sakonnet Gardens. And some idle wandering taking photographs all the time.
