So one thing leads to the next.  Honahlee’s great performance in the 2014 season has led me to the “painful” decision of not racing her in the 2016 Newport Bermuda race.  It would be great to be out there again but she will be in a better place… the Caribbean (:  That’s the bad news (:  The good news is that I will most likely be aboard “Warrior Won” an XP44.  The program has already begun in earnest and I may post a few things here to help me in future Bermuda pursuits.  I don’t want to spend too much time worrying about what goes where…more so just want to make a record of stuff…  like this from the IRC website found here: http://www.ircrating.org/introduction/jargon-translated  We are trying to figure out what the optimal sprit length is (within reason) to make the boat fast(er), safe and competitive.  Can’t order sails without knowing how long the sprit should be.  Seeing some “funny” things in some others’ ratings and just trying to figure out what to believe.  Unfortunately Warrior not measured yet so we are a little in the dark on some things.

Sure I would have liked to have been able to update this blog from the middle of the ocean…or at least from Bermuda….but the reality of the intensity of the race and the intensity of the celebration on just arriving safely in Bermuda let alone winning is a lot to overcome to focus on such a “lower” priority as posting some stuff on the internet.  In the next week or so I will try and post some pictures and other good stuff from our EPIC win…as well as our FABULOUS ride home.

Happy July 4th!

Here is a proof of a great photo from Billy Black and a PDF of the other proofs we can choose from for high quality reproductions.  Billy is one of the best most hardworking and dedicated marine photographers out there!  Billy Black Proofs

 

Nicky the Maiine coon cat approves the battle flag

The return can be fun too!

Bermuda Courtesy Flag….. Check

There are many great things about the Newport-Bermuda Race…but one particularly great thing as an owner is that the boat gets completely looked over from stem to stern and mast base to mast head…literally.  In doing so the boat becomes safer for everyday cruising and racing…and projects to improve the boat have no more excuses for delay!…

After nearly 20 years (10 years of my ownership) HONAHLEE finally has main salon pipe berths!  This is important for weather-side weight but also comfort as we are sailing with 12!

Anchor locker closure
Pole safety
Shorten pole out and mark out
Silver sharpie
Paperwork check
Emergency VHF
Simrad GPS relocate antenna!!!!!!!!
Heavy weather radar post strops
Hockey tape mainsheet block
Secret sauce
Keel plug check and caulk
Spare bilge pump
Flush aft holding tank
Check autopilot wiring
Re calibrate auto pilot.
Lock autopilot rudder indicator!!!!!!!!
Crew container bags
Wrap boat gear for container
Washers for grounding system in CPU from Helmut
Install 2nd computer monitor
Check garage freezer operation
Freeze cases of Poland spring
Call AYC again for lost gear bag
Find goggles and sleeve
Rum stash!!!!!!
Swim ladder!
Fuel up!
Water tanks flushed and refilled
Reread requirements and safety requirements
Computer printer
Rite in rain paper
Sail repair kit Glory

Late night pipe berth grommet installation