GOLD COAST QIN-SAN 160600ZMAR12 SKED – TRISAIL UP, MAST TRACK RIPPED OFF

Posted byRichard HewsonPosted inUncategorized

LAT 38 33.9N
LONG 164 57.1E
DTF 3630
ETA 4 Apr 11

WIND 024@33kts, Sea Rough 2m, Swell NE 4m, Cloud O/C, Cb, Baro 1015.0

Gold Coast Australia has already begun to feel the effects of an intense low pressure system building to our south east. While the predicted wind this afternoon was 17-25kts we began to see 30-35kts and changed down from our Y3 to storm jib. With the wind expected to increase even more tonight to an expected 40kts I decided to set the trisail early.

As we were preparing to drop the three reefed mainsail tragedy struck as the mainsail track ripped off the mast at the second set of spreaders. The cause is unexplainable as it was only blowing 30kts at the time. Luckyly we had the trisail all ready to go, and we now have it set below the broken track and maintaining good speeds towards the scoring gate.

I will look at mast track repair when conditions abate further, and hope I have the gear onboard to fix it, otherwise it will make the mainsail re-hoist very interesting! For now GCA is all tucked in ready for the storm, and Im off to bed to get some sleep before conditions get really exciting.

Richard Hewson

Discover more from SALUS MARITIME

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

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.

Leave a comment