First Irma now Jose
Again we wait. It's Thursday just four days after Irma hit my home and docks. Minimal damage but still cleaning up. We left Kiwi Spirit in Maine to avoid the weather but now Hurricane Jose is headed towards New England. We have no idea as to when we can start to bring her to Florida. Already two weeks behind schedule. The November 4th planned start on the solo circumnavigation is looking less likely. Do want to leave before the end of November so as to be in the Southern Ocea
Kiwi Hoists New Mainsail
Kiwi Spirit II (KS2) is almost ready to set sail from Maine to St. Augustine. Some final touches and a close look at Hurricane Irma before departing. The new Mainsail is a little smaller and has four reefs instead of three. We learned off Horta in the Azores during 40+ knots that on third reef and with staysail partially reefed we were still over powered when going to weather. We also have an improved head board which makes this square top design easier to completely reef whe
Hurricane Irma Delays Kiwi Spirit II
Kiwi Spirit II is ready to sail south to St. Augustine but Irma holds her in Maine. This could delay the scheduled solo attempt on November 4th. Much work and sail training remains to be done. Everything is now on hold. We will lose a week at least.