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I'll bet that you figured this whole Rode Show idea was simply a "flash in the pan" since you haven't heard from me in ages!! Quite frankly, I was beginning to wonder about the same thing! The basic root cause of all my procrastination is that I "bit off more than I could chew" with regard to boat projects this year. For the most part, my evenings and weekends have been booked with boat work. This past Monday, I could sense a sigh of relief. Finally, I think that I am finished putting things back together! I feel like I have "turned the corner" with regard to getting things done - whatever that means. I don't think that I can declare that the boat is in tip-top shape, but I believe that it is in better condition as compared with last year at this time.
I had a chance to talk with Tom Munson (Race Chairman) earlier this week. At that time, his estimate for competitors in this year's Mac Solo is approximately 40 entrants: 25 from the Lake Michigan Side, and 15 from the Lake Huron side. We're a little bit concerned that the unusually cool weather may be responsible for some of our new prospects to decide not to enter. With the June 18 deadline for completion of the qualifying solo passage (for new entrants) there's that chance that plans to complete this passage were thwarted due to cool and windy weekends as of late. Don't give up!! There are still two good weekends available to get your solo qualifier under your belt. As Bob Nike would say: "Just do it."
On the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend each year, Bay City Yacht Club has a 20-mile Doublehanded Race. It has always been one of my targets: Get the boat ready for this DH race!! Simply getting across the starting line is a goal in itself. However, the real icing on the cake this year was that my DH partner was Dick Lappin. This was the first time that Dick and I have sailed together. And here's a little bit of history - Dick Lappin was my "sponsor" for my first Mac Solo. He was the one that I went to for all of the questions: What do you pack in your ditch bag? How do you sleep? What do you eat? What is your re-boarding system? I can remember bombarding Dick with these and other questions during our Skippers Meeting (spaghetti) dinner at St. Clair Community College a decade (ahem!) ago! Even to this day, Dick is still my sponsor. He sure did let me know (in no uncertain terms) that I should "throw that damn chute-scoop away" and just hoist the spinnaker"! Dick was full of ideas and suggestions for the entire day. It was great! If you ever have a chance to do a Doublehanded Race with a solo buddy, be sure to hop on the opportunity!!! Hey Dick: You will always be my sponsor; you can't get off the hook with that one!!!
And don't forget this important one. Cheryl Cameron (of the GLSS) is about ready to start the Bermuda-1-2. The Singlehanded portion starts on June 10 and runs from Newport to Bermuda. The
Doublehanded return starts on June 22. Cheryl's DH crew is Jan Gougeon (of the GLSS). The sponsoring organization runs a very active website with frequent updates during the race showing the
position of each boat. Be sure to check it out:
http://www.newportyachtclub.org/bermuda1-2/
RE-BOARDING SYSTEM
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One of our GLSS rules states that we must be able to demonstrate a re-boarding system for the solo. It's a pretty general requirement for a very important task. It is appropriate that the rule is in general terms since each boat has its unique characteristics. The re-boarding system will likely vary from boat to boat. However, it is worthwhile to share what we do! A friend of mine recently asked what I use for my system. The following was my response explaining what I do:
1) Run jack lines down the port & starboard of the deck.
2) Run a second jack line from the bow to stern along the OUTSIDE of the boat.
3) Carry an extra lanyard with you at all times.
4) Carry a knife with you at all times.
5) If necessary, drag a line from your swim ladder.
Now... Assume the worst, and you will have to use all of the above: Clip onto your deck jack line with your lanyard. Walk up to the bow on the high side. While you are up there, a rogue wave hits and you are in the water. Since you fell off on the high side, there is no way that you could reach the rail to pull yourself up. And since you are on the bow, your lanyard cannot slide on the deck jack line past the stays or the stanchions. Grab your extra lanyard and clip it onto your second jackline which is hanging along the side of the boat. Grab your knife and cut your primary lanyard. Then you should slide freely back to the transom. Pull the line connected to your ladder to pull your stern ladder down. Climb up the ladder. Clean the crap out of your pants.
I wear a SOSpenders that has a harness included. I connect my extra lanyard to the harness, then stow the tail of that lanyard inside the SOSpenders. I also stow a knife in my SOSpenders (as well as my personal strobe). Now... Fortunately, I have never had to use this system. And... I don't know of anyone else in the Society who has. However, I feel that I am prepared for that worst case situation.
OVER AND OUT
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This will be my last Rode Show until sometime in July. I am already starting to show the signs of solo preparation. You know the routine: Get crabby, be forgetful, repeat myself, worry about mindless details, short temper, inconsiderate, etc. Saint Kathy continues to earn more merit badges each day as she puts up with me. I've got a goal: I'm looking forward to meeting my buddies on the island.
UPCOMING EVENTS
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Annual Mackinaw Solo Challenge
Starting from Chicago & Port Huron
June 23 -- Saturday
Respectfully yours,
Patrick Nugent