Captain's Log

November 10, 2002

Hello all,
 
I have been reading over the past week or so, thanks to my wife Becky who sends me the skipper updates, a series of comments from Around Alone skippers that bemoan the character of the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone squall.
 
As the founding member, sole member, treasurer ( more on that later ) and secretary of SPCS ( yes, you guessed it Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Squalls ) I would like to add a view point that all of us at SPCS would like to be heard.
 
The following are advantages of a ITCZ squall:

1. How many skippers have had a shower in the past 3 weeks ?? Very few I would guess and the squall allows us to stand in the cockpit and lather up, after all modesty is not required when there is no one around. Now that a free shower. Big plus.
2. Filling of water tanks. In a recent squall, I put in a reef, captured 40 liters of water and placed this in my water tank, which is now full. I had underestimated my ITCZ water consumption but now I good till Cape Town.
3. Cleaning of yacht. BTC Velocity and most other yachts received a fine coating of Saharan sand while sailing between the Canaries and Cape Verde Islands. The first couple of squalls cleaned this brown mess that was on everything you touched.
4. Free circuit training. I am sure most of you have been to the gym, or at least joined one and then never went again, but a squall provides an excellent method to circuit train. Allow me to explain. Starting point of circuit - Bunk, you are asleep, then you are almost out of bunk due to sudden increase in heel, on with gym gear ( foul weather gear if time allows ) ease mainsheet and traveler, depress plus 10 button on autopilot a few times to help get yacht up right, sprint 40 feet to the bow, drop headsail, lash to life lines, hold on tight to boat, sprint 40 feet to cockpit, deploy staysail, trim staysail, adjust course and trim sails. Wow what a workout.
5. Undo all that took place in number 4. Repeat as necessary.
6. Shade. It's hot in the ITCZ. A squall cools down the air, particularly if you are on deck as it comes at you with that familiar cold blast, just before the wind hits. Sun is dangerous to the skin and a squall provides a welcome cover from the tropical sun

The following are disadvantages of an ITCZ squall:

1. A squall reduces the amps received by our solar panels, thus requiring a slightly longer engine charging session

Well as you can see the ITCZ squall has benefits all round and we at ITCZ would like to thank you for your time and if you would like to make any donations to assist in spreading this message to the world at large, please send checks care of my wife Becky.
 
Make checks payable to: " My husband has spent my our sons college fees ", Bermuda Solo Campaign, Bermuda ( it was my turn to ask for money was it not !! )
 
OK, so this tropical heat is getting to me a bit !!!!!! Really I am OK, really..............
 
Alan
BTC Velocity