Plymouth preparations complete
Carlile Adventures
Mark Carlile
Thu 21 Sep 2006 21:06
On last count, the boat has been repacked 11 times. I think I might do it again for fun.
There is very likely to be a delay in departure due to the weather. Right now in Plymouth, the forecast is for a force 11 violent storm with winds gusting up to 75mph tonight. This is ex-hurricane Gordon that has swept around the Atlantic.
Although this hurricane should be clear by Sunday, there are three mitigating factors. Firstly, the seas are over 20ft high near the Bay of Biscay right now and building. Secondly, hurricane paths are unpredictable. The weather forecasts have not been accurate for days. Thirdly, Hurricane Helene is in the West Atlantic and huge, and now heading this way. I don't particularly want to run into a Hurrciane crossing into Biscay. I will wait to see if she tracks North into Iceland or heads this way.
The main point is to start safely and sensibly rather than be rather than attempting to cross busy and dangerous shipping lanes in atrocious conditions. Departure could occur mid to late next week now depending on the weather. A Sunday departure is an outside chance.
The boat has had new electronic equipment installed (extra solar panels, wind generator to name a few). The mast was taken down and all new rigging has been replaced. New sails have been put on. The boat was hoisted out of the water today to tighten the bolts that are on the keel. The engine has been serviced. At one point this week there 7 people working on the boat at once. Allspars, Waypoint 1, and Fast Tack Yachts have all been very professional contractors. I recommend them all. The boat was repacked as the guys had to access almost every part of the boat to check it over and run new wiring.
There was one night this week where I had just enough room to sleep and that was it. I was surrounded by equipment, sails, food and clothes.
That's all from Ingrid this evening (Thursday). Let's see what weather tomorrow brings.
M
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