Seventy Six and Still Learning
One of the more exciting elements of this voyage is all the new learning that I am engaged in, which will better enable me to sail fast, sail safely and to be able to make repairs and better handle emergencies. Also, high on the list is being as medically as safe as I can be. Being a physical therapist will be a great help with musculoskeletal problems, but not with medical situations. The list of spares and items such as life rafts (2) that I hope never to use keeps growing.
Kiwi Naked
Stripped of her rigging, the keel raised with men working on it, helms (steering wheels) removed and solar panels exposed.
Preparing for the Worst
In the attached photo, two men at the yard are making a "sleeve" around the boom. Once the carbon fiber sleeve is made of sufficient thickness and strength, it will be removed and stowed. Then during the voyage, should the boom break, and they do, I will attempt to repair it using the sleeve, epoxy and screws. Just another piece of equipment that I hope never to use. So what else is on the boat that is in the “hope never to use” category? Two life rafts on deck and one below
Kiwi Spirit Ready to Re-Launch
For the sailors amongst you, the following is what has been done at Lyman Morse prior to re-launch and final preparations for the solo circumnavigation. Very little of the following would have been done were it not for what I expect ahead: Mast has been pulled and all fittings checked. Several pieces replaced and modifications made where we saw some wear and tear. Lines that control the sails have been upgraded and more ordered to act as spares. Keel raised and lowered so it
Kiwi Spirit Gains Media Attention
I am not surprised that the media are paying attention to Kiwi Spirit and the success she is having on the race circuit as well as the planning and execution of her solo non-stop and non- assisted circumnavigation. What does surprise me is the amount of attention from leading yachting magazines to local newspapers. We are posting here two articles from Soundings Magazine, which is widely read in the New England states. I had the pleasure of hosting the writer and photographer