Start of the Mini Transat – The Toughest Race For a Long Time

Here we are, primed and ready to go. Finally I am about to start a race that I have been dreaming about for since 2004, and that became reality when Brett Perry and Katabatic sailing sponsored me with a boat to start this world renowned race across the Atlantic Ocean – Solo

Last night winter had well and truly arrived in Dz, the house was shaking with the furious wind and pelting rain. After a life at sea and racing professionally I never sleep well in such conditions, it seems that it has become instinct to remain alert when a storm is approaching, similar to the way that Albatross seem to all “disappear” when a cold front is approaching in the Southern Ocean, and then come back when the sun is out.

I woke this morning after finally getting some sleep during a lull. The sun was out and the sky blue, but some clouds still loomed on the horizon. Before too long the next front arrived, and the pelting rain and strong wind battered the walls and windows from our house.

After spending the time checking the mornings weather, I headed down to the boat in the next lull. We had organised to move the boats to an adjacent harbour in preparation for the start on Tuesday morning.

My boat was one of the last ones to leave Port Rhu, giving me a prime position to get out early before the start tomorrow. I spent the rest of the day conducting final checks, and trying to decipher the “Colourfull” weather situation. To my dismay with each grib and weather data to arrive, the situation has become more complex, and with added waypoints to our race course, this will be a very hard race to win tactically alone.

windgribemail.pdf

The expectation of rough conditions for us is good for me, as I have always thrived in rough conditions ever since I first sailed my Sabot solo in Lindisfarne Bay Tasmaina when I was seven years old. Growing up in Tasmania, seven Sydney to Hobart yacht races, and experiencing the extreme conditions in the southern ocean and north pacific during the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race have certainly prepared me well for this race!

Carefull analysis of the weather today has been frustrating, as it seems to change by the minute. This evenings briefing confirmed that it is a complex situation. I have my computer and internet and mobile phone until 0600 tomorrow morning when I must surrender it to the race committee. With weather information coming in from around the world, I certainly have good data to create a strategy, however, how accurate this stragerty will be in a few days time as we approach Cape Finnestere can be anybody’s guess.

route 1.pdf

There is one thing for sure. The RG650 will be racing hard in its first Mini Transat, and I will be pushing hard to make Tassie, Australia proud my mates and my family proud.

I dedicate this race to my good mates Cappa and Steve, Im sure when things get tough they will be happy to give me a hand through the tough stuff, and ensure that my arrival in Lanzerote is not only safe, but enjoyable and lots and lots of fun!

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