GOLD COAST 260600ZUNE12 SKED – HALIFAX – DERRY

Posted byRichard HewsonPosted inUncategorized

LAT 49 46.54 N
LONG 18 50.57 W
DTF 565
ETA 1600L 29 Jun 12
SOG 8kts
COG 045

WEATHER WIND 200@15 SEA SLIGHT SWELL SW 1.5M, CLOUD FOG+RAIN, BARO 1012

Gold Coast Australia slipped into stealth mode yesterday just prior of the point of no return had we decided to take a route through the Irish sea, around the East Coast of Ireland and into Derry-Londonderry rather than the more obvious west coast.

After receiving the latest GRIB weather files yesterday it appeared that the low pressure system formally known as Chris was travelling slightly to the north west of Ireland rather than settling over the top of the middle of the country. This will allow us a small wind corridor to get through before the wind drops out provided we can maintain predicted speeds.

It has been a fantastic few days of running downwind with medium and heavy weight spinnakers, and only now has the wind begun to abate slightly as the Low pressure system formally known as Chris weakens. From now on our job to keep Gold Coast Australia moving will increase in difficulty as lighter winds make it a challenge to keep the spinnaker full.

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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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