Hi again everyone,
So part 2 of the story.
The Captain of 'Cool Express' told me he had been diverted as the closest vessel to my position, and he had been searching for me since 0900hrs local time! He asked me my distress situation and I told him I had not actually called a distress, it was done by concerned friends, He asked what help I required, I replied 20+Ltrs of petrol, they only carry a small amount for their rescue boat but the Engineer said I could have 2Lts, we decided it was not worth the risks involved transferring such a small amount.
He then offered me passage on board his ship, abandoning GL! well I couldn't do that, so said no to that offer. He then went through the protocol required, asking many questions and relaying these back to the RCC Norfolk, who then advised me to send position reports daily, and should the worst happen I was to use my Epirb to send a distress. We had a good talk together, he was very friendly, and we parted company at about 1800hrs.
Again on my own I went over and over which way I should go, a thousand miles back, or one and a half thousand miles to 'Horta' forward. Such a hard decision, but ended up choosing back. As I know a lot of people in St Lucia, I set course. The weather next day was much improved, the wind on the beam, Gl was up to 6knts again, sun was out so 6knts + sun Batteries were now getting charged. I was maintaining 12.3volts with only a 2hr charge daily from genset. All going well, I was treated to a sperm whale diving down with the classic tail flukes going vertical up in the air.
GL had been taking a bashing, everything inside soaking wet, stupid laptop was now giving me 220v electric shocks when sending messages, I found a nut and washer from the mast on deck, this is holding one of the spreaders on! then another bit fell off, all worrying stuff, I ran out of water and had to use water-maker, using precious petrol, then with only 300 miles to go the wind died. The sails were flapping about and GL was going nowhere, I pulled the sheets in, and then went to bed for a good 6hrs kip, there was nothing I could do even if a ship did come close. I awoke about 5am with GL rolling around and a big banging going on, but still no wind, I came out of the cabin to see 'Fred' jumping 12" into the air and crashing down, again and again, looking over the stern I spotted the fitting holding 'Fred' up was no longer attached to the boat! Oh No!
Part 3 next
Roy
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
Story Part One
Well hello everyone at last,
Were do I begin? ok, lovely sunny evening sailing away from Antigua, a lightish wind so did the Reflections Blog post.....Just finished that and on the far distant horizon, a very dark ominous cloud, heralding a storm cell coming.....it arrived 1915hrs just as it went dark..Thunder lightening 40+knts and the most torrential downpour experienced yet. This went on for nearly 3hrs, after it had passed there were storm cells all around me with thunder and lightening, and the rest of the night I was going through one after another! No sunrise the next day, and actually no sun for the next 9 days. So much for the forecast, as none of this had been predicted. The wind was zero knts except when a cloud passed by, the boat inside was soaked. The next evening I started to do the blog, I had reopened the foreward hatch and cabin skylight to let some air in when whoosh it rained again, so heavy this rain out here, well by the time I got back in the cabin, water had filled the keyboard on my laptop and that was the end of that!
This is only day 2 but I had already traveled over 150 Nm.
As the voyage progressed and sailing hard on the wind, GL was hammering into the large seas day after day, but only making about 3 to 4 knts, as there was no sun for solar cells and 3-4 knts isn't enough for water geny to charge the batteries, and they were starting to get low. So day 7 I deployed the petrol geny and immediately blew up my 220v shore supply charger, due to water ingress, so used the 12v output from the geny instead. Then I couldn't understand why they wern't charging quickly, something else was taking power, I checked all the systems and found the bilge pump running continuously, water was pouring into the collecting sump like a river! Panic, all the floors came up + saloon table as I searched for the leak, I was led to the chain locker, so the spare anchor, ballast came out, and all the anchor chain, there just below water were two enormous water spouts that spurted every time the boat hit a wave, whoo, so tried to fix and not very successful. This was serious, I had to sit down and review my options, so I had a good think about it. Fellow travelers 'Aleria'(closest) and 'Tatuhla' were ahead of me and reporting weather conditions even worse to come, poor Sue and Andy on 'Spruce' had been heaved too in a gale for 2 days towards Bermuda. Ok, I would tell everyone what was happening, and have the next day trying my best to reduce the flow to a manageable level. All next day from 5 in the morning I spent getting covered in sikaflex ramming cloth into the seams and sealing them up, and by 3 in the afternoon the pump was stopping for over 2 minutes, with only 40 seconds of run time. After doing the sums on power consumption and petrol left, distance to go, and weather prediction, I came to realize I would not make it too Horta, even though I had already done 1000 Nm!. So I tuned the boat round and set course for St Lucia. After cleaning myself up a bit, well enough to use the computer, I sat down to let everyone know. As my sat comms relays any emergency messages issued for the Atlantic to me, as it powered up a emergency call was recieved, I GL had issued a distress call! and a boat had been diverted to attend. Oh heck, they requested information which I responded too, taking forever to assemble the msg (copy paste is not quick) and pressed the send button, this was now 5pm, then suddenly a ships horn blew behind me, I jumped out the cabin like a rocket and there was the 'Cool Express' who had been searching for me since 9 am.
Part 2 Later
Things to do
Roy
Were do I begin? ok, lovely sunny evening sailing away from Antigua, a lightish wind so did the Reflections Blog post.....Just finished that and on the far distant horizon, a very dark ominous cloud, heralding a storm cell coming.....it arrived 1915hrs just as it went dark..Thunder lightening 40+knts and the most torrential downpour experienced yet. This went on for nearly 3hrs, after it had passed there were storm cells all around me with thunder and lightening, and the rest of the night I was going through one after another! No sunrise the next day, and actually no sun for the next 9 days. So much for the forecast, as none of this had been predicted. The wind was zero knts except when a cloud passed by, the boat inside was soaked. The next evening I started to do the blog, I had reopened the foreward hatch and cabin skylight to let some air in when whoosh it rained again, so heavy this rain out here, well by the time I got back in the cabin, water had filled the keyboard on my laptop and that was the end of that!
This is only day 2 but I had already traveled over 150 Nm.
As the voyage progressed and sailing hard on the wind, GL was hammering into the large seas day after day, but only making about 3 to 4 knts, as there was no sun for solar cells and 3-4 knts isn't enough for water geny to charge the batteries, and they were starting to get low. So day 7 I deployed the petrol geny and immediately blew up my 220v shore supply charger, due to water ingress, so used the 12v output from the geny instead. Then I couldn't understand why they wern't charging quickly, something else was taking power, I checked all the systems and found the bilge pump running continuously, water was pouring into the collecting sump like a river! Panic, all the floors came up + saloon table as I searched for the leak, I was led to the chain locker, so the spare anchor, ballast came out, and all the anchor chain, there just below water were two enormous water spouts that spurted every time the boat hit a wave, whoo, so tried to fix and not very successful. This was serious, I had to sit down and review my options, so I had a good think about it. Fellow travelers 'Aleria'(closest) and 'Tatuhla' were ahead of me and reporting weather conditions even worse to come, poor Sue and Andy on 'Spruce' had been heaved too in a gale for 2 days towards Bermuda. Ok, I would tell everyone what was happening, and have the next day trying my best to reduce the flow to a manageable level. All next day from 5 in the morning I spent getting covered in sikaflex ramming cloth into the seams and sealing them up, and by 3 in the afternoon the pump was stopping for over 2 minutes, with only 40 seconds of run time. After doing the sums on power consumption and petrol left, distance to go, and weather prediction, I came to realize I would not make it too Horta, even though I had already done 1000 Nm!. So I tuned the boat round and set course for St Lucia. After cleaning myself up a bit, well enough to use the computer, I sat down to let everyone know. As my sat comms relays any emergency messages issued for the Atlantic to me, as it powered up a emergency call was recieved, I GL had issued a distress call! and a boat had been diverted to attend. Oh heck, they requested information which I responded too, taking forever to assemble the msg (copy paste is not quick) and pressed the send button, this was now 5pm, then suddenly a ships horn blew behind me, I jumped out the cabin like a rocket and there was the 'Cool Express' who had been searching for me since 9 am.
Part 2 Later
Things to do
Roy
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Friday, June 4, 2010
Change of course to St Lucia
Guiding Light changed course on Thursday June 3rd, Roy's new destination is St Lucia. Roy is still unable to update the blog himself. Daily map position updates have resumed.
Latest Update: Roy is due to arrive St Lucia soon, but is making slow progress due to a large Easterly swell. He reports he should be pulling into Rodney Bay and drop anchor Saturday 12/6/10 in the am/pm
Guiding Light Position Map
Latest Update: Roy is due to arrive St Lucia soon, but is making slow progress due to a large Easterly swell. He reports he should be pulling into Rodney Bay and drop anchor Saturday 12/6/10 in the am/pm
Guiding Light Position Map
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
En Route to Horta - Laptop Broken
Roy has had a problem with his laptop, it is broken due to water. He indicates all is well otherwise and he will send updates for his position every day.
UTC Time: 25. May 2010 14:29
19,22.85N , 57,57.30W
Speed: 5 knots, Course: 25 deg.
Destination: 'Horta' from Antigua
Cargo: 1 soul
To see Roy's last known position view the Google map here: Guiding Light's Voyage
UTC Time: 25. May 2010 14:29
19,22.85N , 57,57.30W
Speed: 5 knots, Course: 25 deg.
Destination: 'Horta' from Antigua
Cargo: 1 soul
To see Roy's last known position view the Google map here: Guiding Light's Voyage
Monday, May 24, 2010
Reflections
Hi to all,
Well decision was made and I lifted the anchor and left Jolly Harbour at 0715 Sunday 23rd May 2010.
For the first few hours the wind was fairly light, so a pleasant trip round the top of Antigua through the Sandy Island passage, and then past St Johns to Starboard.
As Guiding Light started to head out into the Atlantic Ocean, I began to reflect on all that has happened to bring me to this point of heading back towards the UK. The journeys, the sights and sounds, and very important to me, the people I've had the pleasure to meet. So many people, a lot of whom I didn't really get to say a proper goodbye too. Every where I met such nice normal people I feel a bit sorry to have inflicted myself upon them, giggle, but I wouldn't have missed these times for quidsrillian amounts of cash. An invitation stands from me, that if anyone is anywhere near where I live in UK, please get in touch, you would be so welcome to stay and pay me a visit in Beaumaris Anglesey.
As the evening closed in, a dark ominous cloud was approaching me from the south east, as it got closer the wind veered to the south from the east, and at 1900hrs I was hit with a thunder storm, 35-40knts with horizontal rain, lightening, thunder, the full works, GL was bouncing around like a spring chicken with all sails flying, jumping off the top of the swell at 7+knts and flying down the back, crashing into the troughs sending great plumes of water and spray into the air, it was taking all I had just to hang on, so again I eased the sheets a little, I made sure Fred was happy, then went below and closed the hatch, a cuppa and a fag in hand, I watched the show, pretty spectacular to say the least! That one had past me by 2030hrs, as I came out I could see lightening everywhere around me, North South East and West, so have spent he night going through one after another, this didn't stop me making my dinner in the pressure cooker of four pints of lamp neck very lumpy soup, (watery stew) and very nice it is too.
And as I write this my present Position: 17,54.34N 060,03.36W Speed: 6 knots, Course: 75 deg.
more later
Roy
Well decision was made and I lifted the anchor and left Jolly Harbour at 0715 Sunday 23rd May 2010.
For the first few hours the wind was fairly light, so a pleasant trip round the top of Antigua through the Sandy Island passage, and then past St Johns to Starboard.
As Guiding Light started to head out into the Atlantic Ocean, I began to reflect on all that has happened to bring me to this point of heading back towards the UK. The journeys, the sights and sounds, and very important to me, the people I've had the pleasure to meet. So many people, a lot of whom I didn't really get to say a proper goodbye too. Every where I met such nice normal people I feel a bit sorry to have inflicted myself upon them, giggle, but I wouldn't have missed these times for quidsrillian amounts of cash. An invitation stands from me, that if anyone is anywhere near where I live in UK, please get in touch, you would be so welcome to stay and pay me a visit in Beaumaris Anglesey.
As the evening closed in, a dark ominous cloud was approaching me from the south east, as it got closer the wind veered to the south from the east, and at 1900hrs I was hit with a thunder storm, 35-40knts with horizontal rain, lightening, thunder, the full works, GL was bouncing around like a spring chicken with all sails flying, jumping off the top of the swell at 7+knts and flying down the back, crashing into the troughs sending great plumes of water and spray into the air, it was taking all I had just to hang on, so again I eased the sheets a little, I made sure Fred was happy, then went below and closed the hatch, a cuppa and a fag in hand, I watched the show, pretty spectacular to say the least! That one had past me by 2030hrs, as I came out I could see lightening everywhere around me, North South East and West, so have spent he night going through one after another, this didn't stop me making my dinner in the pressure cooker of four pints of lamp neck very lumpy soup, (watery stew) and very nice it is too.
And as I write this my present Position: 17,54.34N 060,03.36W Speed: 6 knots, Course: 75 deg.
more later
Roy
Saturday, May 22, 2010
May Movements
Hi All,
Now I know engine is a none starter, I have decided to cross 'A' without it, specially since insurers have said 'hull and Machinery' which I insured the boat for, doesn't mean the Engine! seems 'Machinery' and what it does mean is beyond me.
They have informed me that I am now 'Prudently uninsured' something else, that that statement is beyond my understanding.
Sugest everyone with a boat with a similar hull and machinery cover, checks what it means.
Tested the new Mod to 'Fred' by sailing round Montserrat at full blast, everything went very well, better design now than before.
Monserrat was very erie in the moonlight, the ash flows from the volcano look like an avalanch of snow has happened, there are people still living very close to it still.
I am at Jolly Harbour anchorage Antigua now, Position: 17,04.54N 061,53.92W, final shopping and customs clearance and I will be on my way heading for 'Horta', on east side of 'Faial' in the 'Arquipelago Dos Acores'.
More Later
Roy
Now I know engine is a none starter, I have decided to cross 'A' without it, specially since insurers have said 'hull and Machinery' which I insured the boat for, doesn't mean the Engine! seems 'Machinery' and what it does mean is beyond me.
They have informed me that I am now 'Prudently uninsured' something else, that that statement is beyond my understanding.
Sugest everyone with a boat with a similar hull and machinery cover, checks what it means.
Tested the new Mod to 'Fred' by sailing round Montserrat at full blast, everything went very well, better design now than before.
Monserrat was very erie in the moonlight, the ash flows from the volcano look like an avalanch of snow has happened, there are people still living very close to it still.
I am at Jolly Harbour anchorage Antigua now, Position: 17,04.54N 061,53.92W, final shopping and customs clearance and I will be on my way heading for 'Horta', on east side of 'Faial' in the 'Arquipelago Dos Acores'.
More Later
Roy
Monday, May 17, 2010
May update 4
Hi again to all,
Stupid engine even with new bits still refuses to cooperate and point blank refuses to start ......... those dots are swear words, but every cloud has a silver lining so I now have a brand new green anchor! deploying it will be slow, think I need a 28lb sledge hammer for that. So I am going to be on the move again, hoping tomorrow will be good for a test sail, its been tropical rain storms and squalls (30knts) here for over a week now, test is from here Falmouth, and a 360 deg round Montserrat and back to Jolly Harbour to clear out, store up, then offsky to Horta in the Azores. Have a very kind offer from Berthons Brian May for a week either side of the regatta in Berthons Marina at half price! I will just have to see what the weather and ocean have to say about that.
More Later
Roy
Stupid engine even with new bits still refuses to cooperate and point blank refuses to start ......... those dots are swear words, but every cloud has a silver lining so I now have a brand new green anchor! deploying it will be slow, think I need a 28lb sledge hammer for that. So I am going to be on the move again, hoping tomorrow will be good for a test sail, its been tropical rain storms and squalls (30knts) here for over a week now, test is from here Falmouth, and a 360 deg round Montserrat and back to Jolly Harbour to clear out, store up, then offsky to Horta in the Azores. Have a very kind offer from Berthons Brian May for a week either side of the regatta in Berthons Marina at half price! I will just have to see what the weather and ocean have to say about that.
More Later
Roy
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
May update 3
Hi to all again,
Well I have never talked much about mundane matters as I didn't want to bore people to death, maintaining the fixtures and fittings has been a daily routine, fixing what wears out, greasing winches and the such like, but this engine of mine is going to be used as an anchor soon if it doesn't start behaving itself, the past week its given me so much grief, grrrrr. So still waiting for parts, if they come and engine wont work, I will be sailing home with no engine, taking it out here is not possible due to time.
I welcome any new people who watch or follow the blog, and I always enjoy reading the comments, I'll say hi to Phil, looking at the weather r kid, I will be following your suggested route. I am beginning to get excited and raring to get going again as
I plan this part of the journey, more adventures to come I think.
As a footnote, in case I make it in time, I have officially entered GL in the British Classic Yacht Club Regatta at Cowes IOW in July, sponsored by Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge 2010, and a regatta magazine sponsored by Berthon Boat Comp.
Lets hope it all goes to the mouse's plan (H.G.to the G.)
Roy
Well I have never talked much about mundane matters as I didn't want to bore people to death, maintaining the fixtures and fittings has been a daily routine, fixing what wears out, greasing winches and the such like, but this engine of mine is going to be used as an anchor soon if it doesn't start behaving itself, the past week its given me so much grief, grrrrr. So still waiting for parts, if they come and engine wont work, I will be sailing home with no engine, taking it out here is not possible due to time.
I welcome any new people who watch or follow the blog, and I always enjoy reading the comments, I'll say hi to Phil, looking at the weather r kid, I will be following your suggested route. I am beginning to get excited and raring to get going again as
I plan this part of the journey, more adventures to come I think.
As a footnote, in case I make it in time, I have officially entered GL in the British Classic Yacht Club Regatta at Cowes IOW in July, sponsored by Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge 2010, and a regatta magazine sponsored by Berthon Boat Comp.
Lets hope it all goes to the mouse's plan (H.G.to the G.)
Roy
Friday, May 7, 2010
May update 2
Hi everyone,
Well I am still waiting for my engine bits to arrive, it has gone very quiet here now, Antigua Race Week has finished as well and a lot of boats have now left, leaving the anchorage quite empty. It has given me time to ponder on what happens next, and as I looked through all the free mag's I was given, something popped up and grabbed my attention.... the British Classic Yacht Club, Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge 2010!!! in July at Cowes IOW....WHAT IF??? its just a thought, it could be good though.
Roy
Well I am still waiting for my engine bits to arrive, it has gone very quiet here now, Antigua Race Week has finished as well and a lot of boats have now left, leaving the anchorage quite empty. It has given me time to ponder on what happens next, and as I looked through all the free mag's I was given, something popped up and grabbed my attention.... the British Classic Yacht Club, Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge 2010!!! in July at Cowes IOW....WHAT IF??? its just a thought, it could be good though.
Roy
Sunday, May 2, 2010
May update
Hi all,
Fred has been put back again with slight mod to frame, I'm hoping this will make it stronger for the return across the Atlantic, I will test it first of course, right now the latest part to fail are the heater plugs on my engine, its never started without them, so engine is a no go at the moment. This Atlantic crossing is the tough one, weather can change on a daily basis, right now the Azores high is over Bermuda?? so as the days go by I will be keeping a close eye on weather developments, as I said before there are quite a few going back to UK, we are arranging a Net so we can keep in touch, important to swop info on passage.
I have been contacted by the Helicopter photo team to view the photo's they took of GL, they did tell me they had some really good shots from the air in the AYC one night but said I had to wait to see them, I've had a look and WOW. check www.airphotoregatta.com will have to save up to get a few of those for GL's history file, and my wall!
have some e-mailing to do so more later.
Roy
Fred has been put back again with slight mod to frame, I'm hoping this will make it stronger for the return across the Atlantic, I will test it first of course, right now the latest part to fail are the heater plugs on my engine, its never started without them, so engine is a no go at the moment. This Atlantic crossing is the tough one, weather can change on a daily basis, right now the Azores high is over Bermuda?? so as the days go by I will be keeping a close eye on weather developments, as I said before there are quite a few going back to UK, we are arranging a Net so we can keep in touch, important to swop info on passage.
I have been contacted by the Helicopter photo team to view the photo's they took of GL, they did tell me they had some really good shots from the air in the AYC one night but said I had to wait to see them, I've had a look and WOW. check www.airphotoregatta.com will have to save up to get a few of those for GL's history file, and my wall!
have some e-mailing to do so more later.
Roy
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Hi again,
A few more pics of GL whilst racing, these pics by Jason of Jason Pickering Studio, in English Harbour, please note they are copyrighted so don't sell any without asking first. Have 32 images by him, became friends whilst here.
More to come. Check out the web site Ann commented about, there is a really nice photo there too.
Roy
A few more pics of GL whilst racing, these pics by Jason of Jason Pickering Studio, in English Harbour, please note they are copyrighted so don't sell any without asking first. Have 32 images by him, became friends whilst here.
More to come. Check out the web site Ann commented about, there is a really nice photo there too.
Roy
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Antigua decisions
Well folks, even last year when Sue and Dick had to leave GL, I knew I hadn't the funds to employ Fred and reach NZ without Sue And Dick aboard. I had to make a decision, and Antigua was going to be the Island it happened. North or south! north means back to UK! South means carry on to Panama! I have to report that funds are giving way and Panama will not be an option. At this time of year winds are supposed to favour a return via the Azores or Panama, and that will be my plan now. I feel not sad as I have achieved so much at this point in time, who could have thought of GL being so successful, I can not imagine how that could be topped, so I am very happy to come home, there is one hell of a big journey between where I am and Beaumaris with all the trials that it will bring, so hide the kids GL and Roy are coming home again !!!! Of the so many friends Ive made some are going N some are going S, so I will have company on this journey also, to swop horror stories etc i'm becalmed again!!. And absolutely in, on, or under any circumstances am I going to make fish cakes!!! promise.
Roy more as i find out.
Roy more as i find out.
A sample of pics by me
These photos are a taster to what we've seen while racing, I have a complete collection of GL as well but would take too long to blog.
pic 1 Velsheda pic 2= Ranger Pic 3= Rebecca very close pic 4= Rebecca catching Windrose pic 5= ranger at full speed.
Roy
pic 1 Velsheda pic 2= Ranger Pic 3= Rebecca very close pic 4= Rebecca catching Windrose pic 5= ranger at full speed.Roy
Monday, April 26, 2010
Race pics
I am still assembling race pics,
it took all day to blog these new pic's so now 8 pm, I fancy food drank and wimen not important in which order!
Roy
it took all day to blog these new pic's so now 8 pm, I fancy food drank and wimen not important in which order!
Roy
even more pics
Hi again everyone,
These pics are from Ann and John 'Fan Club' members and are 1= receiving 1st for concourse, 2= surprise, 3= receiving special Arne Fritzal prize 4= L t R, John Ann me Daria and Alex, 5= collage by Ann. all photo's here were by Ann
Roy.
more Pics
Hi again more pics
Some Pics of some 'Fan Club' members at the pre race B-B-Q at Pigeon beach Falmouth Harbour
Roy
Antigua pics update
Hi Everyone,trying to upload pics to keep blog updated.
A few pics 1 = Montserrat
at sunset on my way to Jolly Harbour
2 = At anchor pic from the deserted beach Montserrat and volcano smoke plume, 3 4 5 views taken that Sunday night at Sherlys Tights!
A few pics 1 = Montserrat
at sunset on my way to Jolly Harbour2 = At anchor pic from the deserted beach Montserrat and volcano smoke plume, 3 4 5 views taken that Sunday night at Sherlys Tights!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Antigua Classic Prize giving
Tuesday 20th April was a quiet day for everyone I had moved GL to the dockyard and was about 10 feet away from the coming 'do', they had set up a huge screen to show donated pictures by all the press and private photographers, and a huge Bar-B-Q the 'Fan Club' were there as was all the crews as predicted we knew GL had won, so drinking had started some time before, we sat on the grass and watched the show, amazing pictures of all the boats were shown, every time a picture of GL came up the Fan Club cheered with gusto, I on the other hand had had a senior moment and lost my voice somewhere so was unusually quiet, the time came and trophies were handed out, then as my class was announced my crew and myself went on stage to collect the first prize of a beautiful engraved glass decanter, then photo pose and take the applause, as the night drew to a close I had a foredeck party, then with Marcy (phsyco Bety) from the Pink Lady crew went to another boat and carried the party on into the morning, next door on Buxom II, Lindsey, Erin and Sandra carried on next morning Wednesday in true classic style, so having been told to leave before 12, we all left the dock and have anchored in various places, My Fan Club has started to continue on their journeys but the few left arranged a beach farewell party and a nice evening ensued. Today 22nd I am in the cafe doing this blog and having a calm downer. I have just had the most magical time of my life never to be forgotten experience, some washing and choosing which photos to get from local guys before I leave, a quiet day.
I have read the comments and thank you all for your praise, I think GL deserves it, she is one special boat, it couldn't have happened without her!
more later when pics have been collected
Roy
I have read the comments and thank you all for your praise, I think GL deserves it, she is one special boat, it couldn't have happened without her!
more later when pics have been collected
Roy
Race day 4
During the parade in Nelsons Dockyard we got our first look at the boat 'Alert' that had now beaten us twice as day 3 we again came 2nd, it is a beautiful wooden ketch but it was 62 feet long! there is no way in the world GL could have beaten her, the only reason we managed a first was she had had a collision and DNF on day 2, this is a lowest points winning scoring so we had calculated even if we came 2nd today we would still win, we looked for her on the line but could not find her anywhere. The race was a long one with a long beat to windward, we left our opposition behind again by a long way and finished getting the first cannon, according to the points Guiding Light has won her class Vintage Class B in this the 2010 Antigua Classic Regatta
Needless to say but the partying, celebrations and hard sailing is now taking its toll with all of us, still 2 nights to go, so forget that and carry on, at least no sailing tomorrow.
Roy
Needless to say but the partying, celebrations and hard sailing is now taking its toll with all of us, still 2 nights to go, so forget that and carry on, at least no sailing tomorrow.
Roy
Race day 3
Again off we went to the start line, I should mention here that a lot of boating friends I've made along the way have broken off their voyages and come here especially to cheer me on with their support, so as I leave the dock and pass them in the anchorage they cheer and hoot horns, my very hart felt thanks, I have so appreciated this show of friendship and camaraderie. We were positioning our boat quite well at the start line but one boat did a daft thing very close to me and nearly had a collision with another boat, I went further than planned and with only seconds left had to tack twice, no disasters and off we go again, this course was called the cannon, straight out 6 miles and back, twice, you get to see any faster boat at least twice. On one leg with CJ on the tiller and starboard tack he said "Roy what should I do?" he was referring to the fact that coming towards us on port, neck and neck and very close together was Ranger and Velsheda, (sorry about this but) Shit! I thought for a couple of seconds cos that's all the time you get, and said, split em, just aim straight between them, CJ looked at me and I nodded yes, if he had hesitated for a second I would have taken over, but CJ is a good helm and we split them apart, and with one traveling down each side experienced the best sight of them you can imagine, again, wowww! unbelievable. Then another close encounter, of the forth kind, again with 'Windrose' we had gone so fast and caught a faster grp boat, I was stuck to his stern like glue and he couldn't shake me off, were heading for the finish on starboard again and crossing Windrose's track, she was coming at a hell of a rate so I dearn't look, I said to Dunc "how close" "close" 30' "how close" "closer" 30' "how close" "you better look" I turned round to see her bowsprit what seemed like inches away from my stern and she screamed past WoW, we then seconds later crossed the finish line right behind Ruffian.
Immediately after this race I had promised to take part in the parade of sail around Nelsons Dockyard, I was a bit late getting there, Windrose had just gone in and the guys from the Tot Club asked me to wait a couple of mins, they gave the go ahead and I went in slowly, Windrose had turned round and was on her way out, as we slowly passed each other I noticed Capt'n Kenny Coombs chairman AYC amidships then he and the crew lined the rail from bow to stern and applauded GL!! what a moment, then as we passed the slipway a commentary of GL's history and my trip getting here could be heard given to the gathered crowd, then the moment of glory as the crowd applauded me, my crew, and Guiding Light!!! a bit further on (and all my what they called themselves) 'Fan Club' applauded me from the opposite bank, what a day.
Roy
Immediately after this race I had promised to take part in the parade of sail around Nelsons Dockyard, I was a bit late getting there, Windrose had just gone in and the guys from the Tot Club asked me to wait a couple of mins, they gave the go ahead and I went in slowly, Windrose had turned round and was on her way out, as we slowly passed each other I noticed Capt'n Kenny Coombs chairman AYC amidships then he and the crew lined the rail from bow to stern and applauded GL!! what a moment, then as we passed the slipway a commentary of GL's history and my trip getting here could be heard given to the gathered crowd, then the moment of glory as the crowd applauded me, my crew, and Guiding Light!!! a bit further on (and all my what they called themselves) 'Fan Club' applauded me from the opposite bank, what a day.
Roy
Race day 2
I woke up this morning to grey skies and lots of squally winds, with crew assembled off we went again to the start, this time I got it right and as the start cannon fired I was crossing at full speed. We had now been round the dock and ID'd the other boats in our class, but we hadn't spotted the one that came 1st on day 1, we raced the ones we knew about though, and left them behind in our wake. As the squally weather continued we got some exciting conditions, and soaking wet too, in torrential tropical rain. To give you a clue as to how hard the wind blew now and again poor 'Galatea' snapped her mizzen mast close to the deck!! Her crew worked all night repairing it!
The race covering helicopter buzzed us on the way round for what seemed like ages, so we knew we were being filmed blasting through the swell, one of the big one's 'Windrose' passed us at full tilt and full sail, no wonder she broke the 98 year old Atlantic schooner race record and won it in 2002, what a sight, she was only about 50 foot away and as she overtook us, well I for one was gob smacked! 'Yahooo', what a good days race, and wearing oily's as well. So after returning too the dock we waited with bated breath in the AYC for the results, having a few beers at the same time....and......
WWoooW!!!! we had come FIRST!!
Partying can't describe the celebration we did of that that night.
Roy
The race covering helicopter buzzed us on the way round for what seemed like ages, so we knew we were being filmed blasting through the swell, one of the big one's 'Windrose' passed us at full tilt and full sail, no wonder she broke the 98 year old Atlantic schooner race record and won it in 2002, what a sight, she was only about 50 foot away and as she overtook us, well I for one was gob smacked! 'Yahooo', what a good days race, and wearing oily's as well. So after returning too the dock we waited with bated breath in the AYC for the results, having a few beers at the same time....and......
WWoooW!!!! we had come FIRST!!
Partying can't describe the celebration we did of that that night.
Roy
Race day 1
Hi again everyone,
Well with my three Friends as Crew---Duncan UK---CJ Barbados---Jacob Venezuela we set out on the first day to the start line, hoping I wouldn't do anything stupid on the start line I manouvered GL and although not quite close enough started without a hitch, we as yet had not Identified the boats in our class so just went for it as fast as we could, weather was perfect and we had a great time, as the bigger classes caught up we were treated to some amazing sights of some of the worlds most famous classic yachts blasting along at near full speed, so close you felt as though you could touch them, Wow Wow Wow, after the race we came back to the yacht club marina were I had moved the boat to previously, and docked among the other classic yachts. Galatea (1899) had had a collision and nearly lost her stern rail (hell) we had no clue as to were we had come in the race so we went to the hospitality lounge for a couple of free beers, I was so made up to have had such a good sail, you just can't believe how good it is to race & sail in a trade wind. At about 5pm the results were posted, day 1 and we got 2nd place! wow owo woooow! We then celebrated our success at the Sundowner Party and single handed prize giving, I came 9th in that one but it also was a good race.
Roy
Well with my three Friends as Crew---Duncan UK---CJ Barbados---Jacob Venezuela we set out on the first day to the start line, hoping I wouldn't do anything stupid on the start line I manouvered GL and although not quite close enough started without a hitch, we as yet had not Identified the boats in our class so just went for it as fast as we could, weather was perfect and we had a great time, as the bigger classes caught up we were treated to some amazing sights of some of the worlds most famous classic yachts blasting along at near full speed, so close you felt as though you could touch them, Wow Wow Wow, after the race we came back to the yacht club marina were I had moved the boat to previously, and docked among the other classic yachts. Galatea (1899) had had a collision and nearly lost her stern rail (hell) we had no clue as to were we had come in the race so we went to the hospitality lounge for a couple of free beers, I was so made up to have had such a good sail, you just can't believe how good it is to race & sail in a trade wind. At about 5pm the results were posted, day 1 and we got 2nd place! wow owo woooow! We then celebrated our success at the Sundowner Party and single handed prize giving, I came 9th in that one but it also was a good race.
Roy
Friday, April 16, 2010
Antigua Classic
Hi Everyone,
Well your not going to believe this because I didn't, I entered GL in the Boat International 'Concours DE'legance' judging was on the 15th before the single handed race, and prize giving in the evening, well Guiding Light took 1st place!!! in the Vintage Class, as I went to leave the stage Kenny Coombs chairman of AYC told me to stay put, they then awarded the top Special prise for the best original and well maintained strongest/safety , I WON!!!
Today is the first race and I have to get ready now, but what a result.
More later
Roy
Well your not going to believe this because I didn't, I entered GL in the Boat International 'Concours DE'legance' judging was on the 15th before the single handed race, and prize giving in the evening, well Guiding Light took 1st place!!! in the Vintage Class, as I went to leave the stage Kenny Coombs chairman of AYC told me to stay put, they then awarded the top Special prise for the best original and well maintained strongest/safety , I WON!!!
Today is the first race and I have to get ready now, but what a result.
More later
Roy
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
7th April 2010
Hi everyone, thanks for the many birthday wishes received, you just never know where you'll be as these days arrive, I'd just about forgotten it was coming, I had a very pleasant meal at 'Cloggys' restaurant with, Dawn Richard Tina and Tony, fellow boat friends (2 am finish??). So now well on the way preparing GL and myself for the coming challenge, have had the yachts name redone so I can paint that area, also ordered a couple of 't' shirts with the boat and name on them, have to look half decent for this eventI think. As the time is rapidly approaching I am going to be too busy to come ashore to Blog so bear with me on that, It will take a week of blogging after this cos I have a feeling many photos will want posting, hope pics of classic yachts will be interesting, Velsheda is here as are many gorgeous classic yachts, I have even found another Gauntlet yacht, it is the bigger version being 14 tons and restoration is in hand at 'Woodstock' boat yard, Micheal who owns the boat has done a fantastic job so far, very impressed.
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