Well todays race started well - we set off into about 20kts just forward of the beam and as we crashed along i was happy with my position just behind Dinah on the water. About 15miles into the race i heard a bery loud BANG and after looking around realised the starboard D2 diagonal had snapped !!!This is basically a steel rod that holds up the mast and meant I was in serious danger of the whole rig coming crashing down. So i quickly bore away and dropped all the sails as fast as i could knowing that the race was over...
So what now?!!?
I retired and set off under engine for the finish but then the old engine problem from earlier in the season started up again...with the power dropping on from the engine it meant i made almost no headway and eventually i decided to turn downwind and run for Jersey. So here i am, in the rain in Jersey. In the morning a rigger is coming to have a look at things and he may fit a wire stay as a stop-gap to get me back sailing, however i am nervous about this as it won't match the rest of the rig. There is still a whole season to go and i do NOT want to drop the mast. The engine I now know has a problem with the lift pump...so more playing with diesel for me tomorrow!
Fun Fun testing fun. I have done all i can for this evening so I'm off to find a shower, food and a beer.
It is all frustrating but i am glad it happened now and i got the boat back safely in one piece...lets hope tomorrow is productive and i can Psipsina get back sailing.I think she'd like that after all the diesel I've spilled in her recently.
P
ps: Well done Hindo on the interview...we're both drinking alone tonight. Normal.
2011 Channel week blog - We're back!! Note the pic is last years course, this year is slightly different. More time spent in France...
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