Captain's Log

January 17, 2003

Hello all,
 
Well after a very sluggish 36 hours and past 24 hrs in particular when BTC Velocity and I have covered only 56 nm the wind has finally returned at 5 - 7 kts from the NNE. This is due to build to 15 - 20 and then back west so a great forecast for us catch up some on the rest of Class II ( except for Brad that is !! )
 
The repair schedule went well. The Head is now working perfectly after I took the whole thing apart to find the plunger ' do dally ' had become un threaded from the stopper that creates flow. ( probably more than you needed to know there !! ) A jammer on the fore deck that I use for the tack line in a spinnaker set, had obviously taken too many Southern Ocean submarine rides and was in pieces. I have re built from cannibalizing one other less critical jammer. Of course there is the all important Coffee Mug handle that has with the help of... epoxy putty..be rebuilt to its former glory.
 
I sent an email to Derek on my coffee cup breakage and he sent back the following truly great response. "  broke your coffee mug you say, guess you'll be stopping in Hobart for repairs. I know a good coffee shop there if you need replacement parts. can't imagine sailing another 1500 miles without a mug. hey you, get a grip."  Derek Hatfield, Spirit of Canada
 
So now enough of this light hearted stuff, it's time to get racing and catch up with the pack.
 
Alan
BTC Velocity