Captain's Log

September 19, 2002

Well here is an update as my wife tells me everyone is typing away and I have been silent, unusual for me !!
 
" After the excitement and stress that accompanied the start from New York City as well as my surprise at crossing the start line first, not my initial goal, rather just not to hit anyone, it has been the normal process of getting into the rhythm of the sea. I was amazed but the support of my friends and family and would like to thank them all for putting up with me in the final hours as I think I was a little pre occupied.......
 
Conditions have been varied but remembering the positive, the moon that was almost full last night and today's beautiful sunny conditions with lighter winds and therefore life at less than 25 degrees of heel are most welcome. Of course there was the heavy rain for 12 hours and the lumpy seas for a day that still linger in the back of my mind.
 
BTC Velocity is well apart from the hooked buoy that slowed us from 8kts to 2 kts and tried to wrench the autopilot out of the boat, which happened of course at night and of course while I was a sleep. Took a few minutes to figure out what was happening. I assume there will be a gouge out of the rudder, but will save going overboard for a swim until I really have to !! Have pulled out a broken batten from the full hoist jib, oops brought a spare for the main but not the jib, its on the list for Torbay.
 
Time for a freeze dried lunch. Mmmmmmm
 
Alan
BTC Velocity