Spinnaker Pole drama.
Straight run for the line.
Phosphorescence
Watch Leader hand over
Day 10 – As dawn breaks, under Main and 1 Yankee, Neil orders the poling out of the foresail for the run to the finish, which the electronics say should be around 2000 that evening, all things being even. No question that there was a race on, with DISCO the prize scalp. After a couple of hours it just had to be done. With the wind within the limits for the heavy spinnaker the decision to stake all on a high speed sleigh ride to the line was taken. Preparations were made and the hoist initiated. Only the second spinnaker hoist for this crew so it was challenging. And, as with all challenges, you can’t win them all. And this was one of the ones we weren’t going to win. The starboard guy (the rope used for controlling the corner of the spinnaker which is held out by the spinnaker pole) chose this moment to jump out of its self furling mechanism and leap off the winch. The wind forced the spinnaker pole slamming forward and then being stopped abruptly by the guy wrapping itself around the winch handle. The sudden stop bent the pole which quickly fractured because of its lack of bracing and ended up as a right angled pole! Thankfully the shenanigans missed the crew members working the foredeck by very good fortune. This spinnaker set was over.
Some time was spent recovering the flailing monster, immediately followed by raising the second pole and reverting back to a poled out 1 Yankee. The time for a post mortem was not now. Straight and true down the track was the instruction, with 110 miles to go. Time going cross track was wasted time, and by this stage of the race everyone understood this. Driving ADV hard, the North Island of New Zealand was sighted at a range of some 25 miles. For most of the crew this experience of first sighting land through the haze after 7 days with almost nothing to see but birds and sea will become a poignant memory.
We crossed the line at 2100, some 2 hours behind DISCO and 30 minutes ahead of CHALLENGER. It would be a lie to say that not getting line honours didn’t evoke a small sense of disappointment. However, the overall sense of satisfaction in successfully achieving an ocean crossing under challenging conditions was immense. Quite what the final race result will be will need to be determined in due course by the race committee, taking into account all the factors: time taken, engine hours run, equipment damage. At this time we know on engine hours were the lowest of all three boats and the other boats also suffered some damage.
Skipper and mate approved one can of beer all round, secretly stashed under the floor boards for the journey. (unless that contravenes JSASTC rules, in which case he didn’t really). Blue Watch were on, but everyone savoured the moment on deck, the darkening sky and brightening stars, some chilled music and reflective conversation. We rounded the northern tip Cape Reinga, set the staysail and an overnight course of 150, aiming for a mid-morning arrival in Opua in the heart of the Bay of Islands to clearing customs and a little piece of R&R. This was another terrific sail. Dolphins playing on the quarter, sending darts of phosphorescence parallel to us, 3 sails set, breaking dawn, a sunrise exploding out of the sea, 18-20 knots of wind on the starboard bow, flat seas (sheltered from the ocean swell by the NZ land mass). Tab was in his groove for 2 hours plus – a gentle touch on the wheel, but not so gentle anyone could wrestle it from him. He’d become a seasoned pro at this game and Russ finally after the finish line reported that he’d just found the strap on his bunk used for securing yourself in during rough weather – useful knowledge for next time!
Day 11 - The Bay of Islands was the first hint of any civilisation for what seemed an age. A myriad of boats, spectacular scenery, coastal navigation, collision avoidance, waving at passing boats attracted by the sight of a big, tough yacht, dressed in evident corporate colours, and looking as if it had been places. Clearing Customs was an experience, giving us all a taste of what quarantine regulations must have been like in the early years of colonisation. With the crew banned to the upperdeck, alongside an offshore Q jetty, large quantities of food were passed up the companionway for bagging as contraband. Destined for incineration ashore, much of it was quickly consumed as being too good to waste, even if it was not good enough to pass the Bio hazard inspector’s say so. Once cleared, we slipped to an alongside berth, in company with DISCO and CHALLENGER. The luxury of real showers and heads, a walk ashore followed. DISCO kindly arranged all a Leg 7 drinks party that evening and this was a real chance to unwind, and to mix with the crews from the other boats. Experiences were compared, stories shared, bruises bared. For some, this was the taxiing prior to coming up to full flying speed of later celebrations. As the sun set, all three crews drifted off to the local café / restaurant which, more used to serving 3 or 4 people at a time. A prior visit by first mates in the afternoon to check the proprietors new what was heading their way was a good move by Nikki. All three crews descended; given the scale of the operation there was no shortage of people willing to offer unsolicited assistance - including our crew members from ADV both behind the bar and in the kitchen (including our very own “Tom Hanks in Castaway” impersonator, James). After all, we were all qualified Mother Watchers, and team work and speed were still to the fore. The owners tolerated the entertainment until Russ, as the Naval crew lead singer, towards the end of a loud and extensive repertoire, decided the encore would, appropriately, be a climb up Sunshine Mountain…….
We’re climbing up Sunshine Mountain, where the four winds blow
We’re climbing up Sunshine Mountain, faces all a-glow
Turn your back on all your sorrows, reach up to the sky
We’re climbing up Sunshine Mountain, you and I.
The climb went well until the mountain became Table Top (unfortunately wrong continent and wrong kind of table). As the table made to buckle under the pressure, Russ’ sea legs demonstrated remarkably instinctive balance; disaster averted and summit achieved. The combined Naval choir more than compensated for the Army reserve and RAF, despite plenty of encouragement from the Naval crew. This theme continued in the local nightclub, with the ADVENTURE crew turning out en masse to represent their Service and Country in the local watering hole/nightclub. James elected to stay behind to protect ADV from Army / Air Force reprisals, expected in retaliation for their sail covers having been switched and which succeeded in confusing many a returning DISCO / CHA reveller into which boat was actually theirs. James reported that there had been boarders, but that they didn’t disturb him too much!
Day 12 – The next morning there were many amongst us who struggled to separate the post crossing swagger, the sea legs wobble once back on dry land, and the morning after effect. Only the boat felt stable and familiar. The plan was for an afternoon of R&R followed by an evening departure for the 110 mile passage to the South and to Auckland, the official final destination. Neil wished Helen to have an opportunity to watch lead for the final leg and Al, showing his Weapon Engineering pedigree and thus quick to seize the prospects of another ‘all night in‘, swapped into Red watch and Mother Watch. A quick call into the old capital of Russell, also in the Bay of Islands, to buy some fresh veg and a disposable BBQ, and then a 90 minute motor to a lagoon surrounded by imposing hills, for a banyan. Home made Burgers, bangers, a variety of salads, dressings, sauces and a streaming manifest showed that culinary imagination was still running strong under Cathy’s discipline. Whilst the local Tern population had to be fended off, the crew, after an energetic game of beach football, were very well fed. A walk to the crest of the hills around the lagoon offered views of bays, islands, remote houses and more than a little talk of the prospects for buying property or NZ as a cruising ground. Who knows what the future might bring in these regards? Back on board for pudding of Lemon Three Biscuit Base, displaying in strawberry writing, The Team Works, ADVENTURE, and the Southern Cross. And then the final departure for what a bumpy beat South along the rocky coastline.
Day 13 - As the forenoon developed into another glorious day of sunshine, the wind died, necessitating the start of the Iron Spinnaker. No problems setting the engine to forward! Arrival will be sometime this evening, with Friday off to explore Auckland (or for many to go and do some white water rafting!), and then a Saturday to clean ship, before flying home on the Sunday. So there’s really not much else to be said from this end of the telescope. As Al, Chris, Lee and Neil hoisted the 1 Yankee for the final time, bare feet, bronzing bodies, no stress, the outcome, in the modern vernacular, and reflecting the entire trip, was that was Well Quick, like, init. WICKED!!!!!
Next update, face to face Monday 18, upon our return to UK, except for Nikki, to whom the best of luck as you face the South Pacific and Cape Horn. We look forward to following the next leg.
Personal messages from the Leg 7 ADVENTURE crew:
Neil, Skipper – Thankyou for a great trip especially to Nikki, my 1st mate, who has never sailed on a Challenge boat before but picked up the gauntlet and done a great job. And of course a superb crew who gelled early and set the tone of enjoyment straight away. The banter has been great and we all sing off the same hymn sheet with typical service sense of humour. We all feel proud of our second place against Guru Vaughan the RAF’s skipper and his crew because with a 2 hour lead DISCO used her engine for 3 hours more than us. I fear our spinnaker incident, although down to a faulty winch, will penalise us in the points and the expected 1st place overall may not happen – but there’s always hope! The gelling between the crews has been a delight to see and the leg has been superb. Weather has been hot today (sorry about that) and whilst we were on our final approach to Auckland working with shirts off and clearing sails away a NZ Navy helicopter hovered beside us and called me on the radio to say hello and ask us if we wanted to visit the air station for a flight; he was no more than 20 metres away and at deck level flying backwards – a great welcome, thankyou guys. Two weeks of maintenance for me now and then fly home at the end of the month. See you all soon. xx
Nikki, First Mate – For those aboard leg 7 A massive Thanks to Neil Penman for being such an amazing guy to work along side on my first firstmate experience aboard a 67FT Challenge. It’s a job good it went well as I won’t be able to forget the experience!! A MASSIVE thanks to all the Watch Leader and crew for their amazing enthusiasm and commitment to Adventure and their own crew mates, for looking out for each other and the boat and most of all putting up with me shouting go go go during every sail change!! Exercise Transglobe has been a life changing experience for us all.
For those at home..Thanks guys for the lovely text messages from all as we reached land fall and the finish. The NZ landfall was amazing, truly amazing, with the southern cross in full shine. I only think with time the true reality of the achievement will kick in. As ever it’s the journey and not the destination. End ex for leg 7 apart from scrubbing the decks, bandaging up the spinnaker pole and some celebrations the crew, for working so hard, using the engine the least and 2nd line honours. I will be in Auckland fixing the boat up some time, then heading off the boat for a few days to see some friends south of here before returning for Leg 8 preps 26TH ish.
Hope you’ve all had fun fun fun in the snow. Love hugs and smiles to all and remember with the biggest risks come the biggest achievements….. J xxxx
RED WATCH
Helen – We’ve been in NZ for 2 nights now, the Bay of Islands is stunning and we had a great party with the other 2 crews. Yesterday’s day on the beach was very relaxing, followed by another challenging overnight sail. We’ve just arrived in Auckland for the last few nights. Home soon – looking forward to seeing everyone. Many thanks to the Joint Services Sailing Centre and Exercise Transglobe teams for a fab 2 weeks and a once in a lifetime opportunity that I’ll never forget!
James – I had forgotten quite how beautiful New Zealand is and the Bay of Islands must be one of the highlights. Combined with a very enjoyable sail with a fine bunch of people to share the trip I must now ask - any spaces available on the next leg to South America ?
Lee- A great adventure from Hobart to Auckland, but like all good things they have to come to an end. Really enjoyed the last two weeks, hopefully I will get the chance to do something similar in the near future. Thank you to all the crew for making the experience all that much better. Home time soon see you all when I get back!
Cathy – Great trip which has lived up to expectations, with some awesome sailing in the roaring forties, some thrilling (and wet) and exhilarating nocturnal sail changes and above all, superb company!
WHITE WATCH
Clem – The sailing is over, now trying to see as much of NZ as I cram in!! Have had a great adventure and enjoyed every minute off it well almost!! Great crew, great boat, miss you all at home see you soon.
Stephan – I feel very privileged that I have been part of this epic journey across the “Roaring Forties”, and roaring they were. Time to let the body recover from hard work, it is bruised and battered by the elements and bits and pieces from the boat. I might come home with a nice scar on my leg from our little incident with the pole as well. Last night was the last watch for the “White Watch Bunch”, another busy one with hoisting the three sails, reefing the main sail and intense helming, achieving a nice 10-11 kts speed through the water at times. On our way to Auckland now, ETA 1800 tonight, so we have two days to explore the highlights of New Zealand, before we fly back to a cold and grey UK. Thanks to all on board the “Adventure of Hornet”, I had a great time and this trip is one of the highlights during my exchange in the UK!! See you around, some time, somewhere, some how!
Kris – I think every thing has been mentioned and I know the feelings on this trip are all mutual. I would just like to say an extra thank you to the RAF for their hospitality, especially Alison who although suffering from sea sickness through out the trip still made it her priority to see I was ok, a great bunch of people.
BLUE WATCH
Al – All good things must come to an end. It’s been a blast. Must start some long term planning into how to share this kind of thrill with family. It really has to be experienced! Transat to the Caribbean upon early retirement perhaps? Or NZ? Thanks to skipper, mate and all the crew of ADVENTURE, and to Blue Watch in particular. The spectrum of magical moments in the cockpit, behind the wheel, at the base of the mast, on the foredeck and underwater, has been complete. Can’t wait to see the progress on the building works and the great British weather and M, S and L. xxxxx
Russ – This has truly put the Adventure into Adventurous Training. And for those doubting Thomas’ amongst you it most certain isn’t a jolly; don’t be deceived by the reports of glorious sunshine, stunning views and legendary banter, this has been a superb learning experience and a great example of what life in the Services can offer. And despite my lack of recent sea-time, I have even enjoyed keeping watches – the most I’ve ever done in my 22 yrs in the RN! Looking forward to a couple of days in Auckland and one final chance to be adventurous – Zorbing and White Water rafting beckon – before a final run ashore and flight home on Sunday. Can’t wait to see my gorgeous wife Jo and the loyal lunatic that is Beamish, as well as catching up with everyone else’s news.
Gemma – This has been immense, trip of a lifetime is such an understatement. The sailing was great, the people I’ve met are fantastic and got to spend some time chilling in the bay of islands. What more can I say. We are still finalising our plans for Auckland but I’m sure it will be great too. As much as I love you all, I will be sad to leave, I can really see myself living here in the future. See you soon. Gem xxxxxxx
Nikki Woodroffe
