Pre-start chaos
posted by Bart at 14:55
Nu ik eenmaal in Plymouth ben zal ik alle vervolgende nieuws-stukjes in het Engels doen.
On special request I'll do all subsequent news updates in English.
In the days prior to the start of the race every competitor is appointed a 'host' by the Royal Western. This usually is a club member, living nearby, and willing to assist each competitor in making his final preparations. Especially for foreign competitors this is most helpful, as the hosts generally have a car, know which shops to go for certain bits and pieces, and know their way around Plymouth for shopping, medics, etc.
I was appointed Mr. and Mrs Hall. They also 'hosted' me in 2005 and as last time they have been most helpful and hospitable. Not only did they invite me for dinner last night, but they have also arranged a free berth for me in a private marina very close to their house. This saves me GBP 30,- a night! It is also a place where I can quietly work on the long to-do list to prepare myself whithout being distracted by the general hussle in Queen Annes's Battery, of other competitors coming in and needing all sorts of things. Some competitors are a long way from ready and I need to see to it that I finish my own list first before helping others. (being selfish?)
At the moment I am writing this in Mr. and Mrs. Hall's appartment, overlooking Plymouth Sound. I am really glad I came a few days ago in nice easterlies because yesterday the weather changed and became miserable, with sleet and rain and SW winds. One of the essential items on the list is to improve and reinforce the (brand new) main sail. It needs rubbing strips on it to prevent damage by spreaders etc. But to glue them on it needs to be dry weather so can't do it today or in the coming days, where further rain (including floodings inland) are forecast. I hope summer will start here before the race starts! But I did add some rubbing bars on the coachroof to stop the squeeking noise by the jib sheet when close hauled in a breeze. This noise is very irritating and those strips have been on my list for a long time. Glad I did it, and hope it will work.
Further more, I am still trying to connect the Iridium phone to the computer to be able to use it as a backup for the HF radio. I just downloaded the drivers for that and a sort of manual on how to set this up and in a minute I will go down the boat to see if I can make it work. I also started to study the weather to prepare my strategy during the race. On a race like this choosing the right route with regard to the weather is most important.
Windows Live™: Keep your life in sync. Check it out.
On special request I'll do all subsequent news updates in English.
In the days prior to the start of the race every competitor is appointed a 'host' by the Royal Western. This usually is a club member, living nearby, and willing to assist each competitor in making his final preparations. Especially for foreign competitors this is most helpful, as the hosts generally have a car, know which shops to go for certain bits and pieces, and know their way around Plymouth for shopping, medics, etc.
I was appointed Mr. and Mrs Hall. They also 'hosted' me in 2005 and as last time they have been most helpful and hospitable. Not only did they invite me for dinner last night, but they have also arranged a free berth for me in a private marina very close to their house. This saves me GBP 30,- a night! It is also a place where I can quietly work on the long to-do list to prepare myself whithout being distracted by the general hussle in Queen Annes's Battery, of other competitors coming in and needing all sorts of things. Some competitors are a long way from ready and I need to see to it that I finish my own list first before helping others. (being selfish?)
At the moment I am writing this in Mr. and Mrs. Hall's appartment, overlooking Plymouth Sound. I am really glad I came a few days ago in nice easterlies because yesterday the weather changed and became miserable, with sleet and rain and SW winds. One of the essential items on the list is to improve and reinforce the (brand new) main sail. It needs rubbing strips on it to prevent damage by spreaders etc. But to glue them on it needs to be dry weather so can't do it today or in the coming days, where further rain (including floodings inland) are forecast. I hope summer will start here before the race starts! But I did add some rubbing bars on the coachroof to stop the squeeking noise by the jib sheet when close hauled in a breeze. This noise is very irritating and those strips have been on my list for a long time. Glad I did it, and hope it will work.
Further more, I am still trying to connect the Iridium phone to the computer to be able to use it as a backup for the HF radio. I just downloaded the drivers for that and a sort of manual on how to set this up and in a minute I will go down the boat to see if I can make it work. I also started to study the weather to prepare my strategy during the race. On a race like this choosing the right route with regard to the weather is most important.
Windows Live™: Keep your life in sync. Check it out.
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