Welcome to the third   newsletter

18^th June 2008

21^st September 2008… D ‘Dice’ Day

Yep, that’s when it all kicks off. On Sunday 21^st September 2008, I will slip the lines on my mooring at Wicormarine for the very last time and set off on the adventure of a lifetime. That day marks the last day of summer before the Autumnal equinox on 22^nd and all over the world, it is the United Nations International Day of Peace. Imagine that, a day on which the UN General Assembly resolution A/Res/55/282 officially demands a global ceasefire. For one day each year at least, all the UN member states will recognise 21st September as a period of non-violence. So, yes, it would seem appropriate to pay tribute in my own way to such an ambitious (some might say ‘futile’) cause but as the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon strikes the Peace Bell at midday, I will, for less altruistic reasons, have the world on my mind.

I haven’t made any specific plans yet but on Saturday 20^th, I’ll probably have some sort of ‘Dice’ themed party so if you’ve got any ideas, let me know. The basic concept of the project dictates that the first destination will be decided by a public vote – look out for news about that. The first landfall though will be at the mercy of a dice thrown at the party.

The pressure is on now though to get everything organised but with a definite departure date in mind, I can start ticking off the days – Exciting times!

Team W2N CANASTA… Round the Island race 28^th June 2008

That’ll be me, my brother Tony and Chris who contacted me after reading one of the Yachting Monthly articles and who owns a slightly younger Grand Soleil 42. Then there’s Tim, a friend who’s crewed for me aboard my old boat Bright Flyer in the Round the Island Race before. There’s Hugo, an experienced Melges racer and his girlfriend Kate who I’ve yet to meet but who I’m told, is a very experienced cruiser and racer. Finally, there’s Alastair and his wife Donna who has never set foot on a yacht before but who has pledged to keep us all fed and watered! So that’s Team W2N CANASTA… Formidable indeed!! The focus of the day, as with most of the 1500 yachts, will be to just have fun and enjoy the spectacle but I for one will find it almost impossible to avoid a little competitive spirit! I’m looking forward to it though and it’ll be a good chance to test Canasta against other similar yachts.

Our start will be at 0710, Fleet number 8 under the ISC Rating System Group 5. We’ll be carrying a white flag on the backstay and shamelessly flaunting the new W2N decals on the hull! In previous years, my efforts to complete the course have been denied by a combination of light winds, adverse tides and a frustratingly slow boat. Maybe, just maybe, this year will offer up some sunshine, some decent wind and a blisteringly fast lap of the island… hmmm.

Fitting Out…

In a scene that looks frighteningly reminiscent of Donald Crowhurst’s ill-fated 1968 Sunday Times Golden Globe race preparations, I’ve got electrical equipment spread liberally throughout the saloon – none of which is actually wired in yet! All the PC based navigation equipment, supplied by Gavin at Technology Afloat (http://www.seawhisper.co.uk/) is going to be fitted on Friday – in time for the Round the Island Race. I’ve arranged for the rest of it to be installed in early July. I should offer a huge THANKS to Wicormarine who have been incredibly helpful in sourcing most of the chandlery items. Most of that has been delivered now and it’s been interesting trying to ferry it out to the boat on my tiny inflatable tender!

This Weekend…

Talking of Wicormarine, there is going to be a social event at the yard this Saturday (21^st June) afternoon and evening. I don’t know yet what’s planned but if you fancy coming out for a sail on Canasta before heading ashore for a barbeque, you’d be very welcome. Chris and I are planning to take Canasta out to test some of the systems in preparation for the Round the Island Race but I’d like to extend the invitation to anyone who has registered to receive the newsletter. Email me at rob {CHANGE TO AT} w2n {DOT} co {DOT} uk if you fancy it. The weather currently is forecast to be dry with fairly light winds.

Marathon Madness…

Thank you to everyone who so graciously sponsored me to run three marathons in one month. I raised just over £500 for Spinal Injuries Asociation who, at the London Marathon alone, raised more money in one campaign than ever before. So a record-breaking acheivement albeit one that I’m in no hurry to repeat!!

That’s all for now. Thanks for your interest in the w2n project and please don’t hesitate to contact me with your comments and thoughts. Please feel free to participate in the forum on the w2n website (www.w2n.co.uk) and introduce your friends to the project.

All my very best,

Rob (Bee)

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