After a tear was observed in our mainsail leach yesterday evening the spinnaker was taken down and replaced by a Yankee 1, followed by the mainsail being bought to the deck and replaced by a trisail leaving us ploding along at a mear 6kts.
Teams were sent to work fixing the tear which was just above the 3rd batten. Im still unsure how it tore in the first place as the wind was only 18kts. I think the sails are just getting tired after over 20000nm and 6months of sailing. Hopefully we can re-enforce them all in Singapore.
Finally at 0700 this morning the repair was complete. The team did a fantastic job with the repair and though it took all night to complete, best it has been done properly given that we still have 2400nm to go until the finish which gives us plenty of time to hopefully catch the front runners.
Richard Hewson
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Published by Richard Hewson
Richard Hewson is a Tasmania-based ships captain, marine surveyor, and experienced sailor with a lifelong connection to the sea. With experience in project management and vessel commissioning, he has operated and raced a wide range of vessels—from dinghies and Maxi yachts to tankers, icebreakers and research vessels.
Richard has competed in major offshore events including the Sydney to Hobart, Fastnet, Middle Sea, and Transatlantic races including the Mini Transat. In 2012, he skippered the winning yacht in the Clipper Round the World Race. He has sailed to every continent and explored all corners of the world from Antarctica to south pacific atols and recently completed a three-year family voyage from the Netherlands to Tasmania.
Richard holds a Master Class 1 (unrestricted), RYA Yachtmaster Ocean, Engineering (1200kw) and commercial diving certifications, and is an AMSA-accredited marine surveyor. He is also affiliated with the Australasian Institutes of Marine Surveyors and is passionate about all things that float.
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