Category: transatlantic

Estrella Damm & W Hotels are off

The Two W 60’s have set off from New York heading to Barcelona The 500 mb forecast shows promise.  these boats are quick enough to keep up with the system at least for a while. It is always an advantage to be able to choose your departure time; never-the-less I envy Peter Becker and Stan Schreyer.

     These two boats will have to cross the Gulf Stream, again unlike the Bermuda Race participants it works in their favor.


No Ocean for old men

Imagine us telling the spaniards that our three finalists are bugs baern steve lirakis and dumoulin- ages 77,62 and 63! You and bug baer had twice the ocean experience as anyone else. Also twice the average age of everyone! we went for the midrange 30-50. apparently you and I and Rich du Moulin and Rich Wilson are now the eminent greybeards of the club’s distance racers:

No Ocean for old men

Imagine us telling the spaniards that our three finalists are bugs baern steve lirakis and dumoulin- ages 77,62 and 63! You and bug baer had twice the ocean experience as anyone else. Also twice the average age of everyone! we went for the midrange 30-50. apparently you and I and Rich du Moulin and Rich Wilson are now the eminent greybeards of the club’s distance racers:

more Carina memories, the big mouth frog.


In 1971, I was preparing “Carina” for another trans-atlantic crossing to Cowes for the Admiral’s Cup. “Carina” was again part of the 3 boat team representing the United States.

I had “Carina” tied to the dock at Indian Harbour Yacht Club; a man approached me saying he had these things, cold light, recently invented by him, and he was not yet sure what they would be useful for. He gave me some for the trip asking if I/we could provide feedback to him about possible uses.
As we all know today cylume is so big and commonplace that no one probably asks where they came from or when.
During the crossing, we mostly played with them, for amusement. I did use one while working on a leak in the compressor for the refrigeration, but really because it was available.

1971 Trans-Atlantic

In 1971 we sailed “Carina” first to Harwichport, on Cape Cod. David Steere, the owner of “Yankee Girl” (sistership to Charisma”) gave a large party for all involved inviting astronauts as guests of honor. The next morning very early, to catch the tide. We left, after a late night. “American Eagle”, Yankee Girl” and Carina” We took a more northerly route. and made a very quick crossing, 14 days. beating the other boats by a day. They had taken a more southerly, warmer route. In fact, I have never beaten this time, in a race.

I had purchased a BB gun and hid it on the boat. I would take the cans and glass out of the garbage, throw it over the side and shoot at it as it trailed off astern. I am not sure the English Customs would have taken to the idea of the gun, even a BB gun arriving in England.


907 MILES IN 24 HOURS

907 miles in 24 hours. Who would have imagined. Now they ( the crew aboard Banque Populaire) are seriously considering 1000 miles.

I think the real heros of this achievement are the weather routers, the French weather routers.
This record was part of the larger plan to break the record from New York to the Lizard.
Sea state played an important part of this achievement.