News From the Skipper

With the amazing technology of Internet and satellite phones, Ken has sent me a small update on the boat and crew...


The C2B race has begun, a beat through Charleston harbor out the jetty only 750 nautical miles to go.

Day one - alternator belt broke (had a spare and installed with Mark), compass went wacko so we used Jack's ancient handheld. Winds were good, storm at night had winds of 40 +. I was off shift sleeping decided to stay un-involved. Boat heeled, waves crashed, Bridgette, Curtis and Jack sail and I slept.

Day two little wind, hot, and learned if you run the macerator when batteries are low the whole electrical system shuts down.. Caught a huge piece of plastic on the rudder - hurts steering and performance. Still not bored.


End of day two winds pick up, spinnaker is out - we are hundreds of miles from everywhere, ocean blue waters meeting cloudless blue skies, broad reach cookin at seven plus knots. Out comes the cold beers (refrig is still operational), Keith Jarret trio for tunes (thanks MA for the music) - we are ripping across the ocean only four days to Bermuda. Sailin'
Ken

This morning the boat seems to be drifting about 1.4 kts, as are the other boats. The discussion groups on the site are funny discussing whether boats are motoring or not due to the lack of wind. Grateful Red is in good shape and I am sure there are some hearty games of cribbage going on at this point!



I am losing my tds.net address, so this is a test with the kristine@kegonsa.com email with the blog.



I do expect to hear from Ken today and will report back.

Kristine

Latest Press release from the Charleston to Bermuda web site:
http://www.charlestontobermuda.com/documents/release053109.pdf

kristine

May 31st, Sunday

After 48 hours of the race, I have had 2 calls from Ken via his Satellite phone. Reception quite clear and amazing there is no delay in the voices. Last night, Ken sounded tired, but he said it was just so hot down below in the boat. Very light winds and he felt they were just bobbing. He e-mail to me said at this rate they would reach Bermuda next Month! Today, he sounded great, just looking for more wind. had a little trouble with some electricial when they used the macerator. As he said, "most things happen at night", but it seems that they had it taken care of today. Sorry, no pictures at this point. Remember, you can see the boats progress at: http://maps.iboattrack.com/races/2009_charleston_bermuda/htdocs/google_view.php

Kristine

C2B 2009 has Begun! (Charleston to Bermuda race)

The start of a race and the time leading up to that start is full of electricity and rushing about. Anxiety can run high and nerves can be on the surface and potentially raw. Yesterday's start, and the time leading up to the race start went well, (remember, I was a bystander and not in the fray) and if there were any "hiccups" it might have been departure from the fuel dock. With the tide going out, it was more difficult to maneuver the boat away and well, alittle bumping occured....

But, all that behind us, I jumped into the car to drive to the East side of Charleston to the Harbor where the start could be seen. It was a 45 minute motor for the boat so I had time to get there and position for pictures.

If you can only imagine, a large shipping lane, huge expansion bridge, and spectator boats everywhere, the racers had alot to deal with. Two separate container barges crossed the start line from opposite directions delaying the start about 30 minutes.

Finally, the Spirit of South Carolina Tall boat lead the pack. Grateful Red had a slower start but I could see that within 30 minutes they were beating through the channel out to the ocean with beautiful sail shape and boat speed. (boy, I would have loved to be on the boat)

I can only share photos from shore, but next week, I will gather photo's from the crew to update on the race itself. Please check the website:

http://maps.iboattrack.com/races/2009_charleston_bermuda/htdocs/quick_view.php you will see Grateful Reds little blue dot!

Please share this blogsite with others as I can only put in 10 address per post. Enjoy, and think happy sailing thoughts for the crew!

Kristine

Remember when we started counting days?!!!, WELL, ONE DAY and counting!

Grateful Red Crew for C2B is here in Charleston taking the boat through final readiness. Carpenters, divers,Paul the instrument guy (almost a member of the family now), all doing last minute fine tuning. (Kristine finally got her mirror in the aft cabin!)

Hot, 80+ and 100% humidity here so work is followed by cold beers and sweat!. Curtis has delivered his own sealed meals including tons, yes tons, of chocolate chip cookies! Yummmm!

Excitement is high and the boat is soooo good looking and ready. Wish you all could see it. Last time in the US for maybe a very long time. I can't stop taking pictures of this wonderful boat. Wish the crew well and safe travels to Bermuda and beyond!

Kristine

more sealin'...

FOOD, FOOD, FOOD, and more food!

Last Sunday's bounty of cookin' and sealin',

just cookin' and sealin',...sounds like a song,

but that is getting off the subject.