Captain's Log

October 10, 2002

Hello All,
 
Well at long last, BTC Velocity and I arrived at 4:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning the 8th October. It took 23 days from New York City to the coastal town of Torbay, on the south coast of England.
 
Boy, is it good to be here !!!!!!
 
The Finish Line:
 
Sailing along an unfamiliar coast at night is always cause for a high level of attention; however, sailing in the English Channel, with 3 kts currents, freighters everywhere, fishing fleets that move in random directions and often seemingly straight at you, makes for an exciting finish. If you add to that the fact that I had not slept for 36 hours and there was a head wind of 20 kts, causing some fairly uncomfortable pounding into the waves, it was with more than average excitement when 5 of the Around Alone skippers, a press boat and a boat with my wife Becky on board, all appear out of the black night at 3:30 a.m. to welcome me in.
 
There is an incredible sense of camaraderie among us solo sailors. We all achieved the completion of Leg One of the race and spirit of friendship and support is very strong. Upon arriving at the dock a magnum of Mumm Champagne was thrust in my hands and the obligatory celebration began !!!!
 
Reflections on Leg One and Leg Two thoughts:
 
Its good to have it over with !! It was not easy............
 
This solo trans Atlantic passage, my third this year, was by far the most difficult in terms of weather frustration. As many of you will have read in my earlier emails, the pleasant sunny ( but cold ) conditions of most of the crossing were accompanied by very little wind. In terms of days there were 5 days when I averaged less than 65 nm in 24 hours, which is so slow for my yacht which is a rocket ship; however, when the wind is blowing 2 - 3 kts, there is little chance that you can go faster than 2 or 3 kts. One day on the Grand Banks off Newfoundland, I only covered 24 nm.
 
WHY. Myself and my fellow competitor from Japan, Kojiro, both when a mid latitude path and got caught in a non forecast high pressure. We just got swallowed up and there was no where to go, but wait. As the rest of the fleet sailed away on different weather patterns, but ones with allot more wind, Kojiro and I were left behind to bring up the rear. Then we got caught by a another High pressure that was blocking the entrance to the English Channel. Another 36 hours of going no where. What can you do.
 
Looking ahead to Leg Two from Torbay to Cape Town, there are is an area called the Doldrums that we cross which is famous for light air. Well, Kojiro and I have had the most practice in these conditions, so watch out fellow racers, we will be fast !!!!!
 
This next leg should be approximately 45 days. This is a long time to be at sea alone. My wife and I went shopping yesterday for my food etc. Ever tried shopping for 45 days at one time. Interesting challenge and a full shopping cart !!!
 
BTC Velocity has a few repairs, but nothing major. Adding 2 more solar panels to help with battery charging, repairing a masthead wind instrument, patching up a sail, fixing the articulating Radar mount and basic maintenance.
 
A little more rest in a flat comfortable bed, some more time with my wife, son and family and I am ready to go.
 
Lets get on with the race and don't forget to check my website that is being updated and sponsored by the folks at Logic ( www.aroundalone2002.com ) and also the main race site at www.aroundalone.com
 
Alan