816 READY FOR FIRST RACE OF 2013 SEASON

Posted byRichard HewsonPosted inUncategorized

It has been a massive mission to get the boat ready for the first race of the season but I am nearly at the start line of the Archipelago Talamone Mini Regatta.

The boat arrived in Talamone last week on a truck, and flew out of Australia on Saturday ready for a big week of preparation. After a brief hiccup on arrival in Italy where my backpack containing in all my electronics for the season was grabbed from me at a train station, I finally managed to jump trains and hitch lifts to get to the boat in Talamone in true Australian style. Even without cash or ticket nothing was able to stop me from getting to this regatta.

Thankfully my new sponsors Zhik had a box full of awesome gear waiting for me in Talamone, so dispite my jacket and other clothing getting stolen I am walking the docks in style. Without a computer it has been a bit hard to stay in touch and plan my race, but thankfully mini´s do not allow computer based navigation software so I am not going to be at a loss in this regatta without my beloved macbook that has been with me around the world a number of times.

This week has been full on. It is not as simple as setting up a dinghy to go sailing. The mast had to go in, electronics sorted and calibrated, charging systems re’built and fixed, mast tuned, and a multitude of problems solved on the boat to get it ready for the start. Making it an extra mission is the crazy work hours they seem to operate in Italy, so its almost a gamble to find if the shops will be open or not.

This is going to be one fun and well deserved race.. stay tuned, and it may also be possible to follow me using
http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/es/default.aspx and do a search for RG650.

P.S No photo´s today as my GoPro and brand new camera were stolen along with the rest of my stuff.. Hoefully I can post one tomorrow and show you the new cool Zhik Branding!

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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.

One thought on “816 READY FOR FIRST RACE OF 2013 SEASON”

  1. Well done Richard, that’s the sort of determination that will get you to the finish line at the front of the fleet! Bloody gypos, ill look out for your gear if I get time to shop the ‘black market’! Hope we get to race but getting the boat sorted has to be the priority! Go get’em mate! Crazy

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