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June 25, 2005
On Route to RSYC - part 2
On Route to RSYC - part 2
I am sitting on a train heading towards Southend. We finally got to RSYC at around 0600 this morning. While the morning of the 24th remained as previously described the afternoon of the 24th turned into a bit of an ordeal.
I had just started to sleep when my father called me to assist in a sail plan change. The sky had taken on an odd colour and lightning could be seen hitting the sea in the distance. We popped in a reef, removed the light foresail and put up a small blade. As the frequency of the lighting increased we became concerned given we were the only large metal mast in a wide area. We headed off in a southerly direction in an attempt try and miss as much of the weather as possible. First the rain came and then shortly after, as if somebody switch on a huge fan, the wind arrived. At first we were fine and spilled the excess wind successfully but then we quickly found the boat on its shoulder, we had nothing else left to spill the wind with. Sheets flew and we started to drop the sails.
While we were clambering to gain control of the sails I glanced at the apparent wind speed and saw it log 46knots. On examining MAXSEA's electronic log it also captured conditions during the incident.
The whole thing could not have lasted for more than 30 or 40 minutes but resulted in damage to both the main and blade. A heavier No. 4 was put up and we started to make progress. Moments later it was time to drop the No.4 and go back to full main and genoa.
Our morning in Southampton was spent sorting out the damaged sails. Frank from DOYLES was on hand on a Saturday morning and assures me that the sails will be ready for Thursday afternoon.
All this action and we haven't started yet!
Posted by ninjod at June 25, 2005 01:07 PM