GOLD COAST 270600ZJUN12 SKED – HALIFAX – DERRY

Posted byRichard HewsonPosted inUncategorized

LAT 52 02.34 N
LONG 14 12.52 W
DTF 346
ETA 1200 29 JUN 12
SOG 9.2
COG 038

Gold Coast Australia has passed the southern most tip of Ireland and is now running up the Irish west coast towards
Derry-Londonderry in foggy conditions, light following swell and consistent wind.

It seems that the team on Gold Coast Australia have not seen further than one mile from the boat for nearly a week now. The
fog is relentless, however under it we sail in some fantastic wind allowing us to fly full mainsail and medium weight
spinnaker and make good speed towards the finish.

The conditions are also perfect for helming practice under spinnakers at a variety of wind angles. Without a horizon things
become more difficult and it forces the helmsmen to rely on their senses more. Last night we had midnight helming practice
in pitch black night which was a good orientation for those who have never helmed at night time before.

Our current planned route takes us up the Irish west coast, but we will most likely be too far off to be seen from shore. The latest weather forecast has Ex TS Chris moving closer to the coast which if we are not careful and do not make enough miles before Achill Island and Eagle Island we will be squeezed out. If we can get around these prominent points before the Low moves in we have a bit more room to play with inside Donegal Bay before sailing around Tory Island when we will be able to alter course to the east and coast towards the finish in what will no doubt be very light conditions. I have surfed and kite surfed up this coastline a few years ago but never sailed and therefore i am weary of sailing into the lee of the mountains as I do not know how far the lee extends offshore. I am eagerly awaiting a weather report on the VHF but we still have heard no transmissions so I can only go off my own coastal predictions. Hopefully my predictions, calculations and limited local knowledge will suffice and “Chris” will not squeeze us out and we will not be becalmed only a day away from the finish.

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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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