What next?
JABA
Basil Panakis
Wed 18 Jun 2014 11:06
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37:16N 32:52W
I was reading my book when I heard a sudden bang, the
boat started behaving oddly. To my surprise and horror the forestay had gone the
genoa fully unrolled and being held by the furling line.
Lifejacket on and first things first secured the inner
forestay. At least we save the mast. Dropped the sail and secured it. Secured in
a fashion the forestay on the pulpit. Put the halyard to the stem. Took a
picture or two as some of you might think I am making it up. I was much calmer
and collected this time. I went and found the storm jib which I hank to the
inner forestay. At least we are making way. Brought the sail to to cockpit and
bundled it as best as I could (terrible). There is still a sea
going.
Last night I reduced sail for a comfortable night. I was
woken up by the AIS alarm at just past midnight UTC. The wind was still fine, I
was woken up at 0300 UTC and reduced sail twice. We were doing over 7 at times.
Left a small sail and went down. After breakfast the wind dropped so I unrolled
a bit of G still a small sail up, max 5 kt and then this happens. It was good
that were on a run, quartering really.
I have tacked now and going a bit more north nearer the
islands. I am doing 3.5-4 kt with a storm jib and 3 reefs in the main. About 250
NM to go, depending where I stop. The question is which island do I pick for
repairs or replacement? John had to leave his boat over winter in Horta. That
must have been expensive. I can limp home on the inner forestay alone and take
it easy. If the inevitable happens and the mast does come down I hope it does
not hit on the head, it happened to my friend's wife who died. There were good
friends of ours, Belgians, he was the plant manager at Ford's in
Southampton and when he returned to Newport (Belgium) went out for a sail when
this happened. I sailed with him many times.
I must send an email to Mike at Pantaenius and ask for
advice.
On the brighter side the sun has come out.
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