Bermuda Race Log
June 18-22, 2004
By Randy Needham
We deliberately delayed our approach to the starting area. Since the divisions started in 10 minute intervals, we didn't want to get wrapped up in smaller boat traffic and cause ourselves needless aggravation. When we finally approached the starting area at least 5 divisions had already launched their 635-mile adventure. Milling around were the relatively larger, faster boats. Overhead were TWO helicopters, adding a somewhat unusual sound to the cloudy sky.
The start was a reminder that winning the pin wasn't first of our priorities ... getting "out of the box" cleanly was. It was a downwind start (similar to the Block Island race three weeks earlier and the 'round the island race a week earlier.) So we maneuvered with the medium #1, crossed the line cleanly, and immediately hoisted our 2A spinnaker. It filled promptly and we were off and running.
Shortly after the start we were already chasing other boats in our division (the division of the fastest cruiser - racer boats). We were one of the slow boats in our division and we expected a number of them to extend their lead on us promptly. Also, with the cold water of Narragansett bay combined with the relatively warm air, we started getting mist and light fog right away. One unusual sight: charging downwind 10 minutes after the start, Donnybrook, the 72-foot maxi from Annapolis, dropped their kite, turned around, and started UPWIND (crossing our bow in the process). We realized what they had done: they left the #4 sea buoy to starboard instead of port. They had to turn around and correct their gross mistake. Well, they did that promptly and soon enough passed us again. We luffed them up a bit, drawing shouts of "watch your course!" Some of our guys shouted back, "Hey! … Bermuda’s THAT way!”
Although we got lucky and avoided the probable rain that afternoon, the mist prevented good spectating or good photographs from my vantage point on the rail. I did grab a couple of shots anyway. Dinner was sandwich wraps ... pretty good. Easy to eat "on the rail", filling, nutritious.
The wind was stable if not terribly strong: 12 knots off the port quarter. This was a MOST unusual start to a Bermuda race: leaving Newport on Port Gybe (usually the majority of the race is spent on Starboard tack). Little did we know that most of his race would be spent on port gybe.
Saturday early morning, we're already "off soundings" (the depth meter gives no return). But we're having some electronic problems: we've lost our speedo, and our internet connection is buggy. Both represent medium-sized problems. The speedo is critical not for navigational reasons, but because it's essential for determining true wind speed (and also continually monitoring our performance). The 'net connection is vital for getting sufficient, highly detailed weather info.
The wind strength has eased. We hoist the 1A kite, then the code 0, then the Light#1 jib, then we go back to the zero. For fun (and practice) we used our radar to check on the other boats in the seemingly ever-present fog.
The morning radio call-in was interesting, our opponents were all around us although we couldn't see ANY of them. With the light winds, when our watch was complete we slept on deck (on the leeward side of the boat).
Saturday breakfast was bagels. Lunch was wrap sandwiches, made by volunteers Tom Lake and yours truly. We had plenty of sandwich meats (and also lettuce), the only complaint I heard was from Port watch captain Steve Heimlich, "no mayo, guys, it's BAD luck!" Dinner that evening was our first hot meal, stuffed shells with sausage. Excellent, and really hit the spot. Thank you, chef Luanne, who cooked for and provisioned Falcon most excellently.
Saturday evening, back on watch. More blasted fog, visibility only 1/4 mile. We're using radar, partly defensively, partly to track potential opponents. We're roughly south of Cape Cod, and East of Cape May. Wind isn't terribly strong but it's VERY stable. We've got the sails set and we're virtually on autopilot.