I just realized that I haven’t sailed my F18 at all this year with all the prep-work of the I20 and sailing on OPB (other people’s boats). I decided to utilize the long weekend to re-fair the bottom of the hulls since she’s had a pretty rough go with the 2005 Steeplechase and all the recent neglection. After a lot of sanding, I’ve got a reasonably good finish…I didn’t quite go far enough with the 320 grit and still have some minor sanding scratches visible but I may go back and fix that later. Fortunately, there was plenty of gelcoat thickness that I didn’t have to shoot any gelcoat. I did leave the filler exposed (but polished) on a few major dings I fixed.

I’m finally feeling like I’ve caught my breath after the Tybee 500….that race really saps it out of you! I’m really proud of the job our entire team did during that week.  It makes it so much easier when you have people, like Bonnie, Tim, and Daryl, that know what needs to be done and take care of it selflessly and without issue.  Bonnie did an exceptional job with the website too – don’t you think!? 

I’ve been piddling with several small projects with the one meter. I hope to have a machined lead bulb mold sometime next week so I can start working on the foil for that (the way I’ve envisioned the construction of the bulb / fin requires me to have the bulb first). In the meantime and to establish a small sense of accomplishment, I decided to make some mast fittings. I built a mandrel by ripping a 1/16″ slot in a piece of carbon tubing (the same section as used in the current mast) and I inserted a piece of stainless steel in the slot and filled the tubing with resin to permanently attach the stainless plate. Once that was done, a few coats of PVA, 5 layers of 5.7oz carbon, vacuum bagging for the afternoon, and some work to extract the piece (it proved to be tricky…I have a plan to make that easier) and I have a long piece from which to make some amazingly precise mast fittings. I’m still giggly over how well this part fits the mast.  Initially I perceived this part being glued to the mast, but it fits so perfectly and rotates with such ease that I’m inclined to use it as the horizontal boom pivot.  I realize this may not be ideal since most of the high-end r/c yachts offset the horizontal pivot to yield a fuller sail when it’s eased for downwind sailing…but this is SOOOOO light and simple.  I’ll try it at least for the prototype anyway.  This small piece will end life as a boom attachment fitting.

    

I have a correction concerning the remaining Tiki teams’ trips yesterday. Turns out that is was Tiki 1 who was headed back to shore when Tiki 2 followed to make sure they were okay. Rod and Jared’s rudder was broken but the didn’t actually get to the beach but removed it on the fly and got back on course. When they passed Tiki 2 and found out that they were lopsided but sound is about the point where Jay and Steve simply decided that they were no longer having fun and so abandoned the race. Had Tiki 1 opted to finish then they could have requested time correction for their Good Samaritan efforts toward the other team. Hell, it was Jay’s son on board, so there was no question that he would look out for his well being.

Experiencing an arduous time of it yesterday, Frank and Jake also reached the point where they weren’t having such a fun ride, so they opted to just play it close to the shore and get there when they got there. They’ve got no idea what wind Tiki 2 got into to where they getting frustrated while only make it six knots (by our calculations). Our boys were sailing upwind on a little bit of a jib reach in high winds and big waves – the kind of conditions where one wrong move on the tiller could land you in a world of hurt. They just didn’t see the point of risking breakage, capsize, or becoming separated from the boat, even though they had been as high as third place for a bit early on in the race. Historically an oddly problematic leg for Jake, they just had had e-nuff. In fact, after taking off their gear at the boat, Frank remarked to Daryl: “There’s my life jacket and harness. You can burn them because I won’t needing them anymore.” That’s kind of how a lot of sailors feel by the end of an endurance race – ready to fall to their knees and lay a big, sloppy kiss on terra firma. However, once they have an opportunity to recharge, they begin to remember only the fun moments and good runs throughout the race and are soon ready to begin planning for the next year. That’s the same kinda theory as to how women can possibly contemplate having a second child after what they’d endured to go through labor for the first one. The memory of the pain gets buried further and further back in their minds, superseded by the joy they experience afterward.

My own personal favorite part of the end of the race is being able to finally extricate myself from the mire of wires bound and tangled around me, which I must use and manage throughout the week. here’s the short list: various GPS units, phone chargers (12 volt and AC), power cords, A/C converters, my headphones and iPod connector, and various USB connectors. I finally got a bluetooth unit, which worked out nicely; but it still required charging at the end of the day. And oh, the scavenger hunt to find enough outlets for all of our
accoutrements in some of the older hotels along the route.

Here’s how the final results stacked up for the 2007 Tybee 500 for the remaining seven boats still in the competition yesterday evening:

Oolaalaa

Team Tybee

Tiki 1

Accelerated Chaos

Velocity

Seacats

Cat in the Hat

Sorry I am so late posting today. We (not actually me so much) had to break down the boat, pack up, and book it out of the hotel before we turned into pumpkins. Then it was a quick run to get Frank and Daryl to the airport in time for their respective flights home. After refueling both our gas tank and our tummy tanks, we’ve made it onto I-26 and are headed back to Greenville, SC, where Jake, Tim, and I live. I bought a couple of tacky tabloids but they’re still in the bottom of my bag, untouched throughout the duration of the trip. I suppose I’ll just have to read about Paris Hilton’s perpetually exposed candy when I get home.

Here’s was my view for the ride home:

Now to the matter of my long Thank You list from this year’s Tybee 500. I’m certain that I’ll inadvertantly leave someone out, so please don’t take offense. For my part, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I love this event so much that I’d even go out as a blogging “hired gun” for another team if my guys ever decided not to participate. This was the best year ever for me so far.

Of course, none of it would be possible without our supporters and sponsors: First, to Frank and Jake for bringing our team back together this year. You guys did a great job and were a pleasure to support. Next, my peeps Tim and Daryl. You guys are absolutely incredible: hard working, good company, and great friends. Our Ground Crew had more of an opportunity to get to know each other this year. We had a blast together and got along incredibly well. Chuck and Judi Bargeron for once again putting on a great race. Your dedication to the sport is inspiring. Along with Chuck and Judi are the incredible volunteers, many of whom come back year after year to act as Race Committee and helpers. Sean, Neil, Gary, Bill, and all the others of you that I don’t know personally. You guys always keep the event running smoothly. Also to all the other teams who show up from across the US and abroad. Despite the fact that this is a competition, there’s always such a great sense of camaraderie and generosity with both advice and equipment. I’m sure that all of you appreciate the understanding and love from those of you who have been parted from your families and loved ones during the past week. Thanks to all of our sponsors: Red Valve, Layline, Designworks, Amigos, Astral, and, of course, Mansmann & Moore. A big shout out to all of the supporters following the race from your computers. Hits on our site have gone completely through the roof over this past week. It’s a great feeling to know that the event and sport in general is getting so much exposure and interest from all of you. It was wonderful to see Brian Karr of Rockledge Engineering and John Williams (the host with the most) for filming at a couple of stops during this years’ race. I can’t overestimate the potential that this kind of media exposure could bring to future Tybee 500 events, exposing sailors, sponsors, and even larger media outlets to catamaran racing.

When I remember who else I’ve forgotten, I’ll post again. I look forward to catching up with reading posts on the Catsailor forums, always the “Go to” place for anything catamaran related.

The strobe light on the beach is still going strong at 11:30 so the Cat hasn’t yet made it back into the Hat. Tim, Jake, and I are turning in for the night while many are still out playing. The awards ceremony has been scheduled for tomorrow morning at 8:30 so we’ll see how things finally shake out then.
I know that the race is over but I hope you’ll still tune in tomorrow for my Thank You post to everyone who has made this event both possible and enjoyable. I’ll try my best to make it entertaining. I’ve heard some good quotes and stories tonight but I need to sleep now. Don’t miss where I’ll break down today’s action and Team Seacats’ experience on the water in particular. At this point, I’m so accustomed to typing reports while bouncing down the road that it’s become a habit that will be hard to break.

Here are some photos from this evening’s finish. Enjoy.

The totally awesome Team Seacats ground crew in their nifty matching jackets (courtesy of Frank)

Team Manager Tim Owens enjoying the ocean view

Pusher (and all around sweetie) Daryl Moss looking too cool for school

Oohlaalaa’s first place finish

The Oolaalaa Team

Team Velocity’s impressive second place finish over Team Tybee

Team Tybee hitting the beach in third place today

Tiki 1 came in fourth place in today’s leg

Accelerated Chaos was fifth

Jake and Frank were just happy to make it home after a long day

First, an update on TDCYC: Chris and Jesse got hit by a big wave in some massive wave action about thirty miles out of Fernandina and broke both their traveler and tacker. Instead of heading for the beach then and there, they turned around and made it back to Fernandina. Not accustomed to the colder waters in which they normally find in Texas, they were pretty uncomfortable anyway. They put the boat back on the trailer and drove on up to see the finish at Tybee. Undaunted, and happy for the experience they gained during the week, they hope to be back next year.

Here is a quick rundown of the results from the Tybee leg. Photos will follow later as will the details of today’s leg.

Oolaalaa (in at 7:15)
Velocity
Tybee
Tiki 1 (who had a rudder lying on the deck as they rolled up)
Accelerated Chaos
Team Seacats
Cat in the Hat (still out as of 9:30)

What I just said

I just heard from Daryl who heard from someone on the beach that Oolaalaa, Tybee, and Tiki 1 were 10 miles out. I’m guessing 30-40 minutes. That’s much better than what it was looking like earlier in the day.

I’m so excited!

I want make sure that I mention our good friends at Layline. Mike Krantz is not only an accomplished sailor from the Tybee 500, Great Texas, Alter Cup, and so many other regattas, but he’s got a great company that supplies whatever your little heart desires in the way of sailing paraphernalia, including hardware, clothing, and cordage. Added to which, the price is right and customer service is guaranteed. They even include live, online chat for any questions you may have regarding your order.

We’d like to take a moment to show our appreciation and support of a company who doesn’t even sponsor our team. Kokatat. Jake returned a drysuit to them that was leaking and their customer service was so motivated to meeting and exceeding it’s customers’ needs that they didn’t repair the drysuit, they actually replaced it…and it was even a new purchase! Thanks again to Kokatat for your concept of care after the sale.

Last, but certainly not least, is our main man, Frank Moore. Frank is an attorney with Mansmann & Moore in Pittsburgh, Pa. They specialize in many areas of law, including personal injury. They are both former district attorneys for Allegheny County and have more than 40 years of trial experience between them.  His support, both financial and emotional, have been invaluable to Team Seacats for the past two years.

We spoke to Rick Bliss who estimated that, based upon the fact that Jay and Steve were only forty miles out at 3pm and were making about six miles an hour, they could be in as late as midnight. And when I say “they” I mean the fleet and not Tiki 2. It seems that they thought St. Simon’s Island looked like a fun place for a siesta and have have dropped out of the race. Something may or may not have broken, causing a decline in motivation for sailing and an increase in motivation for a tasty beverage.

TDCYC also suffered a breakage of some sort around the St. Simon’s area and have gone to the beach. I have no news of whether their ground crew has been able to reach them or if they’ll be able to continue the race.

The good news that will most probably move up the finish times, is that the wind has clocked to the South here at Tybee Island. Depending on when they run into this change, they’ll begin to enjoy a sweet spinnaker run. This about face could make for a dinner bell landing. I hope so, ’cause I wanted to get some happy finish line shots for the final, deciding leg of this week’s festivities. Speaking of festivities, I may even try to get a few compromising shots of bleary eyed, rum soaked sailors even later on in the evening!

Judi Bargeron has announced that the planned banquet has been moved back until 9pm in order to (weather willing) give the guys a chance to shower and change clothes before the party.

All I’ve got for you in the way of photos right now is a shot of Daryl (who is quite obviously secure in his masculinity) sporting a couple of my Hello Kitty band aids.

Laurel Sonnenklar just told me that Rod is estimating an 8:30 finish for him and Jared at this point.

Team Chums 1 remained parked on the beach during team preparations this morning, thanks to a collision with a UFO (unidentified floating object) on the trip to Fernandina. Lee Wicklund told me that it caused them to take on a lot of water in their port hull and felt that the damage was too bad to attempt another long leg. I’m glad that the Chums teams were able to make the race this year but it’s a shame that neither of them will be able to finish.

I also spoke to Bill Photinos (who has volunteered during the Tybee 500 for many years) about Team Tybee’s twenty minute penalty. These bouys are not mark roundings but are considered “entering a boundary of an exclusionary zone.” JC and Kenny’s willingness to report their error and the fact that they already took time to make the 1.5 mile trip back to correct it probably played into the relative lightness of a twenty minute penalty, as they ran the risk of potentially being DSQ, according to the Sailing Instructions.

Wind speed had picked up to about 18 knots by the start. It’s looking like it will be on the nose all day, so there will be lots of zigging and zagging. Due to the narrow stretch of beach and the water being so high up this morning (high tide mark was set to peak at 10:48 this morning), race officials chose to stagger the fleet into two starts. The first half, in order, were Tybee, Oolaalaa, Tiki 1, Velocity, and Secats. The second group was made up of Tiki 2, Accelerated Chaos, TDCYC, and Cat in the Hat. All of the teams had a clean shot through the waves, but Cat in the Hat flipped just a few minutes out and headed back to the beach. TDCYC stopped to check on them so they lost a little time for which thay can request a correction upon finishing the leg. Turns out that Cat in the Hat broke their port rudder but were fine otherwise. Larry Ferber’s wife, Pam, ran out a spare to them and they were planning to set out again by the time I left the beach.

The rest of the fleet seemed seemed to be really traveling, with the rear of the fleet just about out of eyesight by 10:20. It looked like a couple of boats were going further offshore than the rest of the pack. Sailing the rhumb line is not something that has paid off well in the past. Sailors would do well to remember Rick White’s three rules of distance racing: 1. Stay near the shore. 2. Stay near the shore. 3. Stay near the shore. It’s a Hail Mary that some (including Jake) have attempted in the past and one time out of twenty five, it’s going to pay off big. Perhaps the boats I saw were just spotted better air or were doing some covering of a close competitor until the next tack. As they rolled out of sight, Oolaalaa was ahead of Tybee with what appeared to be Tiki 1 rounding up the gold, silver, and bronze medalists.

This is a long leg of just over a hundred miles where nothing much is visible from the coast and one where it’s a difficult situation to have a problem as many teams have learned in the past. Due to this lack of visibility, we won’t have the benefit of position updates that we’ve enjoyed in past days due to barrier islands and a relative lack of navigable access. That is, unless some of the sailors have the time to phone in any information.

I’ll post some photos from the start as soon as can get them uploaded. We’re driving through a dead zone right now.

Winds are supposed to be a steady 15 knots from the NE all the way up, but there is a gale warning that should crank things up to twenty should any  or all of the teams choose to go out that far. At last check, the wind is also out of the NE so we may see some tacking during the last bit of the leg today.

At the skipper’s meeting today it was announced that Team Tybee would be taking a twenty minute hit for failing to round that buoy at Cape Canaveral. It’s a tough break for them but Oolaalaa may have already been in an unstoppable first place with a hour’s lead over them before the penalty.

Then again, this longest leg of the Tybee 500 has historically been the one where anything can change. The sailors are pumped to go today but I think some of them are also about ready for this race to be over. I hope it’s a great day of sailing for everyone.

Go Seacats!

As of 11pm, the only other boat on the beach is Jay and Steve on Tiki 2, which leaves Chums 2, Accelerated Chaos, Cat in the Hat, and TDCYC. We’re going to bed at a decent hour and saving the party until after the race is over. Tomorrow is the longest leg of the week and I’m sure it will prove to be a good one. Good luck to all.