6:18 PM Both Gary and Scott are staying at CP 1 till the winds die back. Apparently its blowing 20-25mph with higher gusts and the conditions aren’t safe for small boats. Staying put and catching up on some much needed rest is the wisest thing they can do. WN
1:18 PM Gary called to say that they arrived at CP 1 at 12:03 PM. Apparently the winds are still up so they intend to clean up the boat and shower. They may rest for awhile to give the wind a chance to die down before leaving for CP 2. WN
10:56 They’ve been sailing all night and they got past Stump Pass under full sail. About two hours ago the winds picked up prompting them to reef the sail. Sailing became “hairy” with increased wind speed and high gusts. They have just made it to Gasparilla Sound and were trying to dry themselves off and bail some water out of Oaracle while waiting for a fellow tribesman to catch up with them. Gary estimates that they’ll hit CP 1 in about two hours time. If the conditons remain or worsen, they may anchor there and get some rest until the weather is more favorable for departure. The forecast also calls for rain. WN…
10:08PM The wind has changed direction and they are making 2 1/2 to 3 knots. They are at Venice Inlet, approximately 20 miles north of Gasparilla Sound. They plan to keep going to CP 1 and to take advantage of the wind, while they have it. They are enjoying the pleasant sailing conditions (close reaching) thanks to the east wind. Gary feels this isn’t the slowest EC he’s been in, but its pretty slow going compared to recent years. WN
Gary called in at 5:15 and said that the SW winds died out so he rowed for about an hour until the SE winds picked up. The winds are proving to be light and flukie this year and they are only making about 1 1/2 knots. He thinks there is a Hobie Adventure Island in front of them, possibly Penquin Man and Ocean Diva, and closer to shore and a little ahead of them is Ragwing. Shortly after launching this morning, the tie at the top of the sail came undone. They waited until they cleared Anna Maria Island before they could take down the mast and fix it. Doing so sooner would have been a little too risky given the chop in Tampa Bay. They are both in good spirits and anticipate a long night of light winds, switching back and forth between sailing and rowing…WN
12:55 PM Gary said the wind went lite for all of five minutes and he and Scott pulled out the oars to keep moving. Once the wind was back, it settled more west to southeast. They are a lot drier with the change and are now a few miles north of Sarasota. ETA to CP 1 will be around midnight if the light winds continue. They are being followed by Plum Crazy, Mister Moon, This Trip is Necessary, and Dances with Mullet. WN
Gary reports that the start was uneventful. At 10:15 AM, they are a mile or more off shore opposite Long Boat Pass. They are hard on the wind and catching a lot of spray, but given the sunny sky they are as comfortable as you can be when sailing that course. Wingnut
Lugnut called and reported that the boat is unloaded, the masts are up, the new halyard and sheet are rigged and ready to go. Winds are ESE at 15-20mph with some higher gusts and its very warm right now.
The boat is hitched to the truck, the bags are packed (with nothing forgotten I hope). Scott will be here around 6 a.m. and we’ll be off. Only thing left to worry about is the weather (maybe …) The Admiral (Helen) will be taking over posting from here.
More odd prep jobs that never seem to end. Took a tire off the trailer because it seemed to have a slow leak, but the mechanics said it’s fine. Last job tomorrow is to replace it. Put the emergency bag and the took kit on board tonight, in the forward compartment. Put the water on the boat. Got medicines and toothpaste packed. Got the boots out. Despite the checklist, I know I’ll forget something — always do. Just home it’s not important. Looks like decent weather for the start, although there may be some headwinds. Oh, well. Different weather makes it a different challenge every year. A big plus this year will be sailing with Scott Gosnell (Foghorn) a friend from the Florida 120. And we’ll camping before the start with Scott Widmier (plumbcrazy), organizer of the Florida 120, and John Bell (mistemoon), who we met last year at the 120. Won’t get better than that. Helen (Wingnut) will soon take over posting for the blog from phoned-in reports.
