British Classic Yacht Club Regatta 2009
— posted on August 1, 2009
In addition to the racing programme the BCYC Regatta includes a full social programme.In fact, as a participant now over 3 years, stamina to complete each race is matched only by the stamina needed to muster the crew, organise the tickets, agree fancy dress, remember the location for each event, and remain standing throughout!!The 2009 BCYC Regatta was no exception…Sunday July 19thArrive Cowes Yacht Haven and berth as directed on berthing plan18.30 Assemble at the Royal Yacht Squadron for drinks and canapes, this year Pimms and crispy nibbles. Amazingly, given the July weather, we were all able to enjoy catching up with fellow members, crew and guests whilst taking in the magnificent view of the Solent. The Pazienza crew present were Richard and myself plus Tom and Ben. Tom had recently brought Pazienza back from the Caribbean and Ben, as a fellow student at Plymouth, had been in the 4 man crew. Kitting out for the evening meant Tom and Ben were not in their customary shorts and flip flops but (almost) unrecognisable in jacket and tie. Ties had proved a challenge for other crew members also - a big thanks to Ben’s parents for visiting an emporium in Newport and coming to the rescue! After downing a number of Pimms we reluctantly left the Squadron and headed off to greet 3 more crew members who had travelled from France. These were Loic, Francois (organisers of the Transat Classique Lagasse) and Xavier a member of the Pazienza crew for that transat. And supper on board beckoned.Monday July 20thFirst racing of the Regatta, a training for us as we had not all sailed together previously.19.30 Assemble at the Waterside for the Seafood BuffetA very splendid platter of seafood, including delicious crab, lobster, prawns and smoked salmon were attacked with relish. One of the challenges of the Regatta week is always providing food at the right time and in the right amount - not forgetting liquid refreshment. So we were all very ready for the seafood. Again the weather was kind and there was an opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new ones.Tuesday July 21stThe much anticipated Ladies Day!19.30 The Crew Fancy Dress Party: theme ‘Famous Classics’. Venue the Corinthian Yacht Club. After much deliberation the crew of Pazienza, in deference to the French contingent, had decided upon honouring the Breton tradition. So white trousers, with stylish blue and white striped shirts were the order of the day. The latter had been carefully transported from Brittany - together with hairpieces to add to the flavour of the costume. (One hair piece worn with a high degree of panache was more locally sourced.) The short walk from the Yacht Haven to the Corinthian Yacht Club was fun as we encountered other groups also Crew Party bound. These did include several other groups attired in Breton costume. The crew of Lutine were impressively turned out in spinnaker dresses, spinnaker snuffer, attractive navy dresses (no names) and the skipper sporting a very natty earring! Their dancing was a joy to behold and they certainly got everyone into the swing with the excellent Accelerators keeping the tempo moving. The most amazing costume, and winner for the best overall, was the crew of Aeolius who came as the Owl and the Pussycat, complete with the Moon and the Piggy-Wig. Other costumes included Admiral Nelson, (no prizes for guessing who this was), a stylish flapper and several gentlemen in the dress of the early years of the first century who offered blessings to all. This was the night the skies opened and the queue for the splendid barbecue was enlivened by standing in running water! The evening also featured the customary charity auction. The Commodore had selected Toe in the Water and an excellent insight into the work that they undertake was provided, followed by the auction of a number of items. The sum of £1,000 was raised. Energetic dancing continued with several encores called for and it was past midnight when the majority of revellers headed boatward - though a small number remained….Wednesday July 22ndRacing abandoned for the day due to forecast19.00 Dockside party and aboard Thelma. As usual Wendy and Gary laid on a magnificent spread and the fore and aft decks of Thelma were crowded as people enjoyed the food and company. As the Je Ne Said Quo judging continued boats were vying with one another to attract visitors aboard with liquid attractions. This made for a very entertaining evening. All were thinking ahead to the following day and an early start for the Round the Island Race.Thursday July 23rdAround the Island RaceThe Pazienza crew were strengthened by Dee Caffari and Harry Spedding who both bought humour and great sailing expertise to Pazienza’s enthusiastic crew. See Dee’s diary entry athttp://www.deecaffari.co.uk/diary.php?id=494&nav_month=7&nav_year=2009
A wonderful and eventful race with interesting conditions and sights including various spinnaker incidents - Pazienza included…Evening free for unwinding and enjoying crew company….Friday July 24thFinal day of racing.19.00 for 19.45 Prize Giving Dinner at the Royal Yacht Squadron. The tables were named in honour of Solent and Isle of Wight landmarks. A splendid 3 course meal was served and such was the number of trophies to present, for the racing - by class including the beautiful newly presented Lutine Cup, for the Spirit Yachts, - for the best fancy dress and for the Je Ne Sais Quoi, that they were awarded in stages at the start and between the courses. It was approaching midnight before the event drew to a close.Saturday July 25thOver for another year. With the sail past cancelled there were more leisurely departures from the Yacht Haven. And Loic and Francois had also, between racing and attending the social events, promoted the Brest Classic Yacht Festival 2010.
Mini Pazienza
— posted on August 1, 2009
Richard and Tom starting on the restoration of Pazienza’s clinker dinghy.
Pazienza comes home
— posted on July 1, 2009
Pazienza arrived back in Ocean Village early this morning - all four intrepid crew were well. A welcome party at RSYC included Dee Caffari who welcomed the boys home.
Almost Home
— posted on June 29, 2009
position- approximately 8 miles WSW of Lizard Point
Well for the last few days wet stuff in the form of seawater, rain and general dampness has been invading my personal space and infiltrated my socks. I don’t think I need a GPS to tell me that we are almost home!
Despite the rain, we have had some good sailing the last few days. And even though it has been a little interesting at times, we have all enjoyed blowing the cobwebs away. The source of this sailing was a sneaky little low forming off finisterre I believe, and it has improved our gymnastic abilities whilst sailing on our ears somewhat. As always Pazienza has looked after us, and proved she’ll take us through whats thrown at her, and at some speed, if we just hang on for the ride.
Since our last whale sighting, the wildlife has switched to the airborn variety, and we have been entertained by the diving gannets, who seem to magically reappear the instant we think the coast is clear and it is safe to start fishing again. In the water we’ve spotted a few sunfish, and really just questioned the point of them! It seems as though a regular flatfish just got bored of the bottom one day, and decided to flail around on the surface instead…
With the threat of some stronger winds and busy shipping lanes, we doubled our watches last night. This provided a relief from the old solitary periods, and let us share some of the more unbelievable sights of sailing at night. All night our noses had picked up the wafts of fish and general smell of landfall, then at about 0700, sure enough the isles of scilly appeared off the port bow, followed by bishops rock emerging from a rain cloud. It was England jim, sort of! Anyhow it raised our spirits and we have since passed some familiar sights at Land’s End, the spectacular Minack theatre, my favourite beach porthcurno, Mt St Michael and now the lizard lighthouse is coming abeam, before we turn northeast for Plymouth and some terra firma after 9 and a half days of sea.
for almost the last time, its good night from pazienza, good night from the crew, and good night from me.
Good Night!
More whales
— posted on June 26, 2009
Pos
47° 42′.’27N
12° 07′. 93W
Hi guysh
Same old: The last bog talked about the whales and wildlife and also the good weather, which was bringing us home at a good speed!
Update; whales haven’t been spotted for a few days which is very sad but we guess they must be travelling north for the fun season, and from mine and adz early morning sighting apparently at some considerable speed. The last one to pass seemed to be a little way behind the rest of the pod so didn’t slow down or avoid us just effortlessly duck dived the Paz and came up for a short breath straight away before powering after the rest. Dolphins have been plentiful and we still rush up on deck to see them play with the waves or under the bow. The dolphins visit during the night which has to be the craziest sight ever! the green bio-luminescence from their wake make them look like the falling numbers on the matrix, I’m sure you’ll hear so much about them when we’re back so ill stop…..
The weather has been unpredictable over the last days; started strong and comfortable and then within a few hours the wind had gone and the clouds came over, engine went on. We had rain for a whole night which washed the salt off and the quiet watches gave us a good break which made a change. After a day becalmed we have wind behind us at 14knots and after the last gybe, we are yet again on a direct heading for home. The few good days of sailing and relaxing in the warm weather have given us the chance to sort out all our kit and more importantly have a couple of good square meals with out a tin in sight!
The mid atlantic book club: We have now all finished the Californication series and mostly fed up of the games on the PSP so we have moved back on to books, i think this must be the 4th or 5th ones now and we are all pretty good critics of the books on board.
ETA: The names of the days obviously have little or no meaning as we have been living two days ahead of the rest of the world, good one (saying no names), who failed to mention that the word that seems to change every day on his watch screen happens to coincide exactly with dawn of every new day. This means that birthday wishes for Sunday were given today (the previously thought Sunday) during my only satellite phone call home, sorry Dad. And also we have now an explanation for confusing weather forecasts. Any way we previously thought we would arrive on Tuesday afternoon, but following the recent developments in the name of the day, …… Pete……, we will be now making port in Plymouth on Sunday afternoon and then hopefully arriving in Southampton by Tuesday.
Stay tuned for more developments
You stay classy
and Thanks for stopping by
but mainly stay classy.
P.S just before pressing send we saw some whales jumping off the port quarter!! chart says they are minks……… we think. Add it to the list!
Adam’s Blog Debut
— posted on June 24, 2009
Position
45 39.360N
018 29.927W
This blog is the editorial debut for me (Adam) and those who know me, will agree I’m not much with words so this edition of the blog will be short and hopefully sweet.
Since the last blog and the day of the whales, life has settled on the pazienza. The winds has stayed around 15-25 knots and we are moving consistently at 7 knots. Which has pleased the crew with the joys of land now at the fore front of our minds. As of writing this email, we have passed the half way point, which has lead to some mini celebrations. Pete’s friend (or is she potentially more) Sarah kindly wrapped up some Kinder Eggs, the sad part was that we were more excited about the mystery Toys encapsulated inside of these chocolate eggs. The rest of the day will be filled by a movie and later on some nice kebabs (a million miles from charcoal grill on mutley plain).
Apart from that like I say life has settled in a routine of reading, ipods and PSP. Ben has particularly taken to a James Bond game on the PSP, where you play the scottish legend Sean Connery. The introduction of a TV series called Californication on my ipod, a TV programme which is essentially the guy from X Files wondering around Los Angles making love to a lot of beautiful women. I’m not really sure whether anyone actually enjoys the programme or is simply getting their kicks from it, either way its taking up the time between watches.
From the Good Boat Pazienza
See you soon
Azores to England
— posted on June 22, 2009
Position 42 50 49 N
26 05 95 W
Since leaving Horta we have all been in good spirits. Its good to be back at sea again and on our way. There has been light winds and a following sea of 2 -3 meters, for the past 24hours, which has seen us surfing upwind…Spray constantly showering the foredeck and pilot house (pie o lot house). The weather has changed since we left the Azores, the water has gone from that deep blue you only get in the ocean to that of a dark greeny grey of the channel although we’re still a long way off. The skies are filled with low grey clouds giving the feeling of home. Sometimes at night the tip of the mast has disappeared in the misty clouds, the tri colour (light at the top of the mast) flickers green and red with the pitch and roll of Pazienza, the lights dimming and brightening as the swirls of the eerie mist engulfs us and depart… The temperature has been dropping more at night now and sometimes you can see your breath join the mist. Added to this we have been ploughing through billions of tiny sea creatures that light up green as we disturb them. Looking behind at the wake of the hull and rudder, green lines appear like the vapour trails of an aircraft cutting through the sky. The trails eventually fade and disappear into the night, the billions of sea creatures relax again. Suddenly several of these green lines have appeared out of nowhere and are shooting towards us like torpedo’s, these lines of green light develop in dolphins as they surface for a few seconds…ride the bow wave… and then, as quickly as they came, are gone again. Off into the night in search of their prey.
The wildlife sightings have been amazing since we left Horta. We have been graced by a pod of Fin whales moving effortlessly and quickly through the water no more than 300yrds away. Sighted several Killer whales then shortly after we saw 50+ Common dolphins shooting past us, leaping out of the water when they drew level with us, I guess to have a look, at us gaping open mouthed at them. Then later in the day more Fin whales and a pod of Minke whales leaping out of the water!! The next day we saw more Fin whales this time one dived right under the boat and surfaced with a splash. Through the whole of yesterday and the day before we saw 3 sightings of Fin whale, 1 of Killer whale, 1 of Minke whale and any where between 70 to 100 dolphins! Not bad for 2 days sailing!
Navigating using the stars and sun has stopped due to thick clouds and poor vis. Tom has started on an intricate lanyard for his knife that has been taking form quite quickly, Adam and Ben have been listening to music and playing on the PSP and I can’t seem to get into any of the books that I went to a lot of effort to find in Horta. The sweet rations have plummeted dramatically already. I cant see them lasting the whole trip. We are all relaxing and trying to fit into our old routine but we seem to be muddled and slightly out of touch with it all, I thought it may have been staying on land for a week and breaking our strict routine but perhaps it wasn’t land at all. Perhaps its this grey and cold weather we’re reflecting? How tempting it would be, to turn around and sail back to warmer climbs!
Horta
— posted on June 20, 2009
Ok so I know we said we would write when we arrived, but we were all pretty excited by the whole malarky and we had a stunning landfall, making the final approaches to the sun rising behind the massive cone of pico.
We arrived on the 13th at about 7 in the morning, and anchored in the bay at horta, there was no space to start off at the marina so we pumped the dinghy up and went ashore to check in and for a peter’s cafe breakfast that I had promised the guys. Its a great place to sit after making a trip, covered in flags, burgees, t shirts and posters of past visitors, all tinged with smoke to make them blend in. After moving into the marina, we washed the boat and started to peruse all the paintings left by all the other boats on the passage through (it has become bad luck to leave horta without leaving an insignia, so the dock is a very colourful place). I was pleased to see that pazienza’s painting from 2006 was in good condition, and we decided to add to it, rather than doing an entirely new one.
There are many stories from the azores, that will probably need more explaining than can be afforded in an email so we will just give you a high point/low point analysis and tell you the rest when we get back.
Tom High Point: Scooters and seeing the caldeira. Low point: Viscious hangover after a late night on a french boat and a lock in at curious pool bar.
Ben High Point: Hot rock restaurant with great steak and prawns on the last night. Low point: After the relaxation of a long time at sea, it seemed hectic some of the time.
Adam: Taking over from tom on the moped and scaring the bejeeberies out of him. Low point: The power hungry lady in charge of the washing machines in the marina.
Pete High Point: Going to an island that is rarely visited by other people than sailors. Low point: Nearly getting arrested for an expensive drink.
There are many more high points and we all struggled to think of low points but as I said, we’ll explain them soon!
We are now back at sea and although the wind is on the nose and coming from home, it is a relaxing feeling. There was no moon and few stars last night, but the bioluminescene was really glowing, our wake was visible for about 100m behind us, there were dolphins all night looking like something out of the matrix and adam saw 2 killer whales this morning. The phosphorescence comes into the heads and makes the bowl glow too which is quite entertaining. Anyhow, we are all enjoying the motion again and looking forward to eating all of our supplies.
We heard rumours that it is meant to be very hot on monday, is anything else happening at home, when does wimbledon start? any updates on matches would be good
obrigado et au revoirsh