14:09 N
55:14 W
Distance to finish: 328 nm
As we close in on the last 350 miles to St Lucia it is
about time to discuss some of the small breakages which we have encountered on
the journey. The first thing to note about these problems is that they are
largely wear and tear issues, and that the boat is very well stocked for either
fixing or replacing parts wherever breakages begin to show.
The other thing to note is the extent to which Titania
has travelled without stopping - at a speed of roughly 9 knots. This has
lead to sheets (ropes), which are at constant tension, wearing out over
time, and a few small problems with the headsail (genoa). For a bit of
perspective, Titania has been sailing now for the equivalent of 11 Cowes Weeks
without stopping. This time period mixed in with the scale of the sails and
mechanisms involved leads to the boat being under a huge amount of tension
for 24 hours a day, so it is no surprise some areas have weakened such as
the leach (edge) of the headsail and the spinnaker pole car
track. However, overall breakage-wise we have not gotten anywhere near the
same extent of damage the usual Cowes week Mermaid (our Seaview day boats)
sailors manage in 1 week of sailing... let alone 11.
Freddie
Today's photos: Freddie adding his own wear and tear to
the damaged genoa sheet; Todd up the forestay putting a repair patch on the
frayed headsail leach
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