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
