Finally, some breeze. Maybe too much. Or at least too much, too fast. At least for Mari Cha IV. Here’s the report:
“Big change today – we have been battling all morning in a rough sea and 45 to 50 Kts of wind from the south.
The wind was forcast to come in from the south first at 20kts which is very manageable, but actually came quickly up to 35… 40… 45… 50 knots.
Fortunately, we had thought that the wind could be stronger than planned and were cautious but quickly took 2 reefs in the Mizzen, then 2 in the main and a third in the mizzen Jib. We also went from mast head blade to Number 4 to strom jib and finally the Mizzen came down competely as the boat was getting difficult to control planing constantly up to 35 kts.
Of course, that is when the bottom rudder bearing started to leak heavily – the pressure during the broach had poped out a lip seal. Damien and Vincent emptied the transom of 4 tonnes of water and repaired the leak. We still have a bit of home keeping to do but are back on track at pace in 40 kts of wind.
Wet morning!”
Must have been interesting broaching a 140-footer at high speed. And it’s probably getting exciting over on ‘ol Maximus, too. So let’s go over…Umm, what? There are no reports on the Maximus site? You’re kidding. No, you’re not. Lame. Lame. Lame. MC IV is just ahead on the ocean, but miles ahead in cyberspace. C’mon you Kiwi sheep shaggers, how about a frickin’ update?!…
“Shh! Don’t ask me to trim again. I’m working on a poetic close to my next on-the-scene e-mail…”
The Earthist Chronicles 