Thursday, July 17, 2008

Thursday - 07-17-2008

Tiki Blue still does not have a solid internet connection, so this update was based on a voice mail via satelite phone. Please excuse any interpretation errors as the message was translated into text via the voice message.

Seems like we set a record yesterday, after blowing up the 1.5 oz spinnaker in the early hour morning hours. We changed between the 3/4 oz spinnaker and white sails several times, after the clew ripped out and the sail ripped from corner to corner. The 'repair team' is meeting this morning and will try to stitch it back together. We may have to use the collective inventory of repair supplies to fix the sail. With the spare 3/4 oz spinnaker left, we need to be conservative on the sail plan. We plan to sail south of the rhumb line, hoping it pays off in the long term of the race. We saw some great sailing today, in the afternoon and night. The wind kicked up to the low 20s, with some higher gusts. We were on port reach with 20-foot (?not sure about this?) waves. Ryan got a bit queasy, but managed to pull through and now he's fine. The maximum speed recorded was 12.3 knots (!), set during Judy's shift at the helm.

It's the third day now, and we're trying to decide where to passage through. Right now sleep, food, and sailing seems more important, might change tomorrow. Mike is casting out the fishing line in hopes of catching something to go with the wasabi.

Our schedule is two on, four off, which seems to be working well. Cap'n G is on shift from 1-3 am, 7-9 am, and 1-3 pm. The Chris Parr (?not sure about this?) double espresso works great. Overall, great sailing in the first three days, other than the sail (spinnaker) blowing up.

~ Team Tiki Blue

Listen to Torben's update by clicking here.

4 comments:

Linda said...

hey there Tiki Blue,
hopefully your internet connection will be up and running, but it was great to hear Torbie's voice! Sounds like you have it all under control...good luck to you Mikey aka MacGiver ...maybe fish for dinner tonight?Gina and I are doing GREAT!
love you
Linda

Kelly T. said...

Go Tiki Blue!
Figures that the fastest boat speed so far is at the trusty hands of the only woman on board...go Judy! Too bad about the rip, but I'm sure MacGiver is on it! By now you are into the real food and I hope enjoying it (Ryan, those ginger snaps are for you!) You are all doing a really great job and keep up the great sailing! You are tracking really well.

Love to all,
Kelly & Tyler

Jude said...

YEA JUDY!!!
If you listen, you can hear me cheering for Tiki Blue from back in the Point!
You've got what it takes to overcome the challenges.
Keep up the great sailing and keep having fun!!!
Cos' Mom, Jude

Unknown said...

My guess is that somebody gave Mike a 'hunting license' on that spinnaker. It's happened before. Go Team Sashimi