OF ALL BY EXPERIENCES OCEAN RACING THIS RACE WILL STAND OUT. WE MANAGED TO HOOK A WEATHER SYSTEM AND RIDE IT ALL THE WAY ACROSS THE OCEAN. USUALLY YOU NEED A LARGER BOAT OR A MULTIHULL TO STAY KEEP UP WITH THE SYSTEM.
Tag: gulf stream
BERMUDA RACE COURSE
As the start of the Bermuda Race looms, it occupies more of my thoughts. Have I remembered everything? Did I overlook something on the boat? I want to bring what might be needed, but not bring too much, just contributing to extra unnecessary weight. Back to my recurring thought of reducing thing to the lowest common denominator, as uncomplicated and practical as can be achieved.
Safety at sea is at the back of everyone’s mind.
The decision on where to enter the Gulf Stream will be determined before the start and once we commit to a plan it is quite hard to change. Of course many of these decisions are weather based. What the wind will allow us to do.
My kit for the race is not that different from what I packed for last year’s transatlantic race. Naturally fewer things.
Wishing best of luck and safe race to all competitors; but we are like everyone else, racing to win.
GULF STREAM
The Bermuda Race is the big sailing event, particularly on the East Coast. Yes the America’s Cup is coming to Newport after the race leaves.
The Bermuda race is traditionally broken into three parts, the race to the north wall of the Gulf Stream, the Stream, and the race from the Stream to Kitchen Shoals. Really the Gulf Stream is the obstacle on the race course. I have only sailed 12 races, (my first in 1966) but I have still managed to see many unusual events.
Click HERE to see an animated view of the stream so far this year. It is what has already happened so it will not be much help for what will occur in June, but shows just how much change can happen.
WORLD CURRENT
I was alerted to this by Sailing Anarchy.
BEING IN THE RIGHT PLACE
Today is St. Patrick’s Day, a big day in Newport with a parade and everyone wearing a grin. Tucked in a corner is the CCA’s Safety At Sea Seminar; typically held every March in Newport in preparation for the Bermuda Race.
We must remember this is a 4 day race, 6oo miles. Not really a long time; it does get you offshore away from land but not for long. I don’t need to attend as I qualified last year for the the transatlantic race, 3000 miles, and 16 days.
The way to win this race is being in the right place for weather and to maximize the benefit of the Gulf Stream. It is far more important than sailing fast. The people in the following pictures can help put you in the right place.
