Swiftsure 2014

Well, Swiftsure was a bust (again).  Excellent winds heading out around the mark, followed by glass calm seas.  Many boats, including Turnagain, elected to drop out.  Such is life in the world of sailing!

Oregon Offshore 2014 Finish

Turns out they had an amazing trip back, super fast.  Finished second in their division.  I think the whole crew was stoked to discover that Turnagain can sail quite quickly when the conditions are favourable.  Here's hoping they encounter similar winds en route to Mau!

Overnight Sail

After some team gatherings in early October, we were able to plan an overnight practice session on Turnagain.  The night.. November 29.  The crew. Jason, Darin, Steve T, Declan, Karl, Ty, Dave (from the returning crew).  Steve C was unable to make it due to illness and Adam M had some family things to tend to.

 We finally all met at the Pier 7 dock in north van at 7:30 and promptly left for the night. Winds were forecast to build, but it did not look promising.  We motored out to about 2 miles west of Pt. Grey  bell buoy and had enough of a south east wind to start sailing. With the 140 Genoa and main, we reached across the straight for mid Gabriola Island. Half way across the wind had built to a steady 12-15 SE and we were running the lines for a spinnaker hoist.  The plan was to hoist the A3/4 with the forecasted 18-20Kt SE expected.  As we ran the lines and prepared for the hoist, the galley was busy preparing dinner.  We hoisted the spinnaker and beared off slightly to a 120 degree apparent wind angle in 10-14kts of wind.  Once the wind appeared to be building as forecast, the course was set for a “round Sangster” route.  Shortly after setting the spinnaker, a FANTASTIC lasagna (well… 3) was reheated and dished out with everyone stuffing themselves.   

The food was also a practice run for the big trip in July as we need to work on portions and prepared meals with enough healthy parts to keep us going. 

By 11 pm, the wind was steady 18 gusting up to 22-25 and the boat was rocking down to Sangster. With this kite up, the boat can do about 160 apparent if the wind is up to 20 ish kts and we were able to make great tracks towards our mark.  All crew had time on the wheel (except me, as I am hoping to get everyone very familiar with the boat before we head out for something more significant ;)).  By midnight the wind was steady over 20-22 and regularly gusting to 25 and a swell was starting to build. With Ty at the wheel and discussion of what to do if the boat starts to get over powered, Turnagain experienced its first “wipeout”.  We won’t hold this against Ty for too long, but after 7000 miles in not always calm conditions, it does take a certain skill to make this happen.  We douced the kite and sailed under white sails the rest of the way down wind to Sangster. At approximately 2:30 am, we rounded Sangster after picking our way through the reef waters and started to beat our way back up to Vancouver. The boat was doing well, although pounding a bit into the seas that had built.  

The group was fantastic and everyone did their part. We figured out a few short comings of the boat and of procedures, but things are coming together.  

I am looking forward to our next practice (unscheduled, but hopefully late January at the latest) and working with this group to get a machine running for the VicMaui 2014. 

Travis