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2011 SSANZ RNI Leg 2


splashprincess

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Good Effort Skins, totally know what bad backs are all about.

 

Was in the Naki this morning and saw Truxton all tied up safe.

 

All the best for a safe and fast recovery!

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Hmmm, I've had some experience of NP A&E.

I've also heard of people being advised by specialists to drive to Auckland rather than go there if they have a problem.

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Mr Roosevelt did indeed take a truck ride from Onehunga back to Pier21.

 

Last Wed evening at about 2151 approx 170nm NW of New Plymouth we were dismasted. This was a gutting experience. We were in about 25knts of breeze on the wind with the No.4 and a reef in the main. The boat was not over powered, in fact in some of the lulls we felt under powered. There was a swell of about 2m with lumpy stuff on top. The cause of the dismasting was a failed rigging screw (port outside screw). It simply sheared in half! We worked quickly to clear the rig from the boat which had snapped in three places including at the mast collar. In order to clear the rig we had to cut away all standing rigging, and all running rigging including the hydaulic lines for vang and outhaul. It took us about 15mins to clear the rig. We then went about making sure there were no lines in the water that could foul the prop. We started the engine only to find that in the dismasting somehow the accelreator cable had snapped and the engine screamed at high revs. We stopped the engine and decoupled the cables then rigged a system so we could operate the transmission and accelerator manually from the engine. We began the long motor towards New Plymouth at about 3knts and made the appropriate calls to Maritime Radio to notify them of the situation, our position, speed and heading. Martime Radio were fantastic and I can not speak highly enough of them. We arranged 3hourly calls with them.

 

After about 8hours of motoring and during day light on Thursday we calculated that we would likely run out of fuel before we reached New Plymouth. We carry 90ltrs, but motoring into seas now up to about 3m and winds on the nose still at around 25-30knts was going to make it very difficult to reach New Plymouth without a refuel - this was not going to happen. So after consultation with Maritime Radio we decided to alter course to Manukau Heads about 70nm away to the SE. A salavage tug tried to reach us from the Kaipara with a fuel supply, but was unable to get across the bar at the Kaipara entrance. With no fuel resupply we had no other option than try and get to the safety of the Manukau Harbour.

 

We arrived at Manukau Heads at about 0300 on Friday morning and stood off about 8nm. I had very limited knowledge of the bar and didn't want to risk more than we already had. At dawn the swell was still 2-3m and wind about 20knts. Evan at Manukau Radio and stationed at the signal station on South Head advised the tide was going out with low tide expected at 1026. He has 25years experience of the bar is undoubtly the expert. His advice was to wait for about 1hr after low tide and take a look at the bar about 1130. He gave us a set of coordinates to get a transit line for crossing the bar. At 1130 the wind was about 20knts but the swell had subsided to a consistent 2m. The bar had settled a little and there were less breaking waves. We estimated we had about 6-10ltrs of fuel remaining. Team Effort (a salvage team arrranged by our insurance company) could not get out to us across the bar so it was up to us to get in. We gunned the engine and lined up the transit and made a dash to get across the bar. Waves broke around us and we rode some good swells in, but thankfully made it across without further incidence. Once across we were given a tow by Team Effort. We had about 5ltrs of fuel left - probably not enough to motor up to Onehunga.

 

Our training and experience paid off and we believe we made the correct decisions from the moment the rig came down to the time we safely crossed the bar. We can not give enough thanks and praise to Maritime Radio, Team Effort, Evan at Manukau Radio/Signal Station, and our insurance company. We are gutted to be out of the race after nearly 2 years preperation including a complete rig service, all new running rigging, and new forestay. But we are pleased to be home safely and to have the boat at Westhaven for repairs.

 

We wish all the remaining competitors in the race every success and safe sailing.

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RNI The Fat Lady has Sung

 

After a magnificent performance from Nonstop in the first two legs of the race, Pete and Mark have taken a tough decision and withdrawn from the rest of the race. A number of factors have influenced this decision. It seems like a lifetime ago that the Christchurch earthquake hit but Nonstop was already engaged in the second leg of the race when it happened. The additional time taken in the second leg and the unsettled weather patterns currently linng up to batter the fleet on the east coast mean time pressures start to mount on the team to get finished and get the boat home, that's when silly decisions are made and lives are put at risk. The combination of these factors and the loss of a member of Pete's family in the earthquake create a situation where continuing the race is not an option. I know you'll all spare a thought for Pete and his family at this time.

 

The team realize that their decision will disappoint many, including the team aboard Pepe who have lost the chance to have a crack at knocking Nonstop off in the next two legs. I'm sure you will all understand the reasons behind the withdrawal. Let's keep our fingers crossed for the rest of the fleet because those weather patterns look decidedly ugly to this observer. On the up side, it does mean that Pete can reply to that message on his answerphone from a Mr Blackadder asking if he could bring his football and play with a few mates in Pete's backyard.

 

Thanks for your messages of support to the team, they've done a fantastic job and can leave the race with heads held high. Line honours Div 4 legs 1 and 2 and 11th on line and handicap after the second leg across the entire fleet, well done Nonstop, well done Pete and Mark. A huge thank you to John at Hendersons on Grove Road, you're everything a sponsor should be, involved, supportive, understanding and passionate. Until the next big race, remember life is just like sailing, it may be tough right now but there's always that next spinnaker ride forward to.

 

cheers,

 

Duncan

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sorry to hear this Nonstop, you guys have put up a good race, on a boat that isnt a real upwind boat.

i was thinking i got away without knowing anyone adversley affected by the quake at chch. you guys are real great sailors and i know how hard a decision this must of been. maybe in 3 years oracle will be up for another tour and rematch with nonstop then.

all the best.

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Well, I can only say I have a great deal of respect for the lot of you , well done.

 

Mr R dropped her rig about 4 or 5 years ago returning from Fiji or Noumea under the previous owner. Does the rigging screw date from the new rig and rigging then?

 

I'd say that the rigging screw would have dated back to then. We'd prefer not to comment about the fitting or the circumstances of the failure at the moment. Let's just say that it should not have failed in the manner that it did.

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I sympathise with the circumstances for Nonstop. You guys were great competitors and I congratulate you heartily on your race to date.

 

Best of luck to the remainder of the fleet setting off tomorrow. Everyone who are now out of the race want you all to go and have a 'red hot go' at the next two legs.

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Okay we have prize giving tonight at RPNYC clubrooms, bar open from 5pm and prize giving at 5.30. Anyone here in Welly welcome to come join us, hear some of the epic tales of survival and celebrate the safe arrival of the boats.

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The circumstances might lend themselves to a few different categories this time round. Maybe "first boat back to Auckland - land division" or "first to the bar" for Mr R. Based on what I have seen here, the engineering prize to Fineline and "best solo swim" to Skins.

 

I would also add to what John B said - some sound decision-making and seamanship out there has ensured that mishaps didn't become disasters. Also note the accolades for Maritime Radio.

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Hi Splash princess,

 

We'd love to know when they start again, it looks pretty awful on metview for a few days. If they are lucky they will have a nice quiet run from Napier. Thanks

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