Ripped Sail
L'Esprit de la Mer
Dr Chris Bates
Wed 16 Oct 2013 05:31
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19 47 95 S 174 21 24 W
We sailed for Ha ´apai last night and made a fast
passage . The predicted weather window was only partly correct . Easterly so
favourable but mostly 26 to 29 knts of wind . Arrived in in darkness so the
approach through the reefs was blind . Radar confirmed the accuracy of the chart
. Now at5 anchor and checked in . Two problems ; one the small jib ripped along
the leach and so is useless and two this is not an easy place to get out of and
head south . Things to consider and the weather needs watching as it is
changeable and we have no protection from the west .
The sail is a blow . All sails were checked in
November last year with a view to this passage . The number one is a new sail
and almost unused but it is not a heavy weather sail . There are no sailmakers
between here and New Zealand so we will just have to lump it and take great care
with the weather .
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