If you were following us on the tracker you’d have seen us heading back to the USA. Last night the alternator that provides our power and ability to make water (so therefore pretty important) gave up in a spectacular fashion. No option but to head in and get it fixed. Not sure what this means for the race. All safe and sound.
Visions of a leisurely day shopping in Newport and hanging out in cafes, now that booze is out, were dashed with a 6am call to head to the boat. By midday Joe had relented and allowed a sandwich break, then up with sails and head out to test the BR0 sail as well as calibrate wind instruments. Sail test went ok, calibration was as good as we could get in the conditions. Food was stowed this morning, and just fresh provisions to stow now – 60 oranges and 60 apples to fend off scurvy. Am hoping to get the Franklin Spa diner for a breakfast fry up before the off.
“Lindy is coming” as they say in game of ….
Finally left the boat yard and after a practice sail in the bay, arrived at Newport for the next two days before the start. Feels like we are getting there – 7 long days starting at 6am are taking their toll. But not as much as the no booze for 7 days rule – the team arrived at New York Yacht Club for the opening cocktail party – the picture is of the race team with their first round of “Shirley Temples”. The ignominy. Tomorrow loading the freeze dried food and crew gear. Almost there…
We are sailing, and in sunshine as well. After yesterdays rain, grey, blah day, it was nice to sail with blue skies, well at least until the thunderstorms in the afternoon. Got the new A3 up – just a sexy sail! Men, who are not usually interested in fabrics, as their ladies can attest, are suddenly admiring the material and cut of this new engine.
The new halyards were stretched some more and we can start making marks on them for full hoist. Corrado was out on the end of the pole re-tensioning the bobstay, and moments later was up the mast sorting out a reluctant halyard lock. He does get around.
All electronics are now working fine, and boat is clean and empty ready for the food and crew gear to be delivered.
Sunday night is the opening party and dinner at New York Yacht Club – as the crew is all tee-total for the race, will be a subdued evening. Well until we’ve all had a few Pepsi Colas in us. As the dinner is jacket and tie, and almost everyone just has sailing gear and work gear with them, will be interesting how Joe pulls his off. Thrift stores are closed on Sunday so that option is out!
Monday is a rest day, or a training day – not sure which yet. Tuesday is the start. Can almost taste the beer in Cowes….
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