It was a year and a half ago that I decided to go solo around the world nonstop, and at that time it somehow seemed so far away,now today it seems to be rapidly approaching.
I have been busy over the past month putting on new sails and many other parts to help insure a safe and successful passage. Chafe gear has been installed on both sets of spreaders as the back edges of them seem to be a little too sharp for the sails best interest.
New Main Sail flaked on bottom
New Main Sail Hoisted up
and looking ready to go
Chafing Gear that is failing
New Chafe gear replaced on both sides of boat on spreaders
New Wind-X assembled before going up mast
Wind-X Installed and hoping the birds leave this one alone!
The Skipper up the mast checking things out
What I see below me from the top of the mast
Many lines have been replaced or swapped end for end to extend their service life.
I have been running hard attempting to get in the best shape possible for the trip and I’m happy to report my times keep coming down on my measured runs.
I’m currently repainting the bright work and will re-oil the teak in the cockpit area. I have also re-familiarized myself with sea anchor tactics and means to deploy the18 ft parachute if need be. also the drogue was revisited and accessories for both made readily available. It will be interesting to see how big of a part they may or may not play in the grand scheme of things.
My Mustang Suit & Full Immersion Suit for cold water
Large Yellow Bag is my Quick Get-Out Bag & will be stowed under table
Safety Harness,Life Jackets,Flare Gun , hand-operated Watermaker & Epirb
My Bosun Chair & Ratchet Hoisting Device
This next month October will be primarily spent on final provisioning and trying to stuff away 7-months supply of all necessary foods and “Drinks”, more on that later.
I know I have bitten off a huge challenge and look forward to living the adventure that will come out of it. I feel Sailors Run is a Great Baba 40 foot Ketch and in top condition for what might lie ahead. My health is good and I feel up for my battle with nature, to propel Sailors Run around the world unassisted (meaning no motoring or outside help)
I have a lot of knowledge in heavy weather sailing,therefore feel confident that we will prevail.
My route around the world measures out at just over 22,000 Nautical Miles via a rumb line course. To come up with this much distance I have had to add nearly 2,000 miles to my route, and did that by sailing SW after I cross up into the Northern Hemisphere and sailing past Easter Island on its western shore, and continuing in that direction until I get to Longitude 120* West and 35* South where I plan to take my first opportunity to turn SE and sail for the Horn and the other four Great southern Capes,- Good Hope,Africa-Lewellen, Australia,- West Cape ,Tasmania and finally East Cape, New Zealand.
Be sure and check out our blog site for photos of preparations at www.sailorsrun.com
Debbie will be taking care of that end and I can only say she will be greatly missed over this extended period of time.
Thanks, Your Amigos ,Jeff & Debbie of S/V Sailors Run