25 November 2006

Didn’t think that we’d arrive Phuket so quickly (three and a half days), and finally managed to get a couple of hours of sailing in as we approached Phuket.  Managed to get a short experience of how Gispy Moth sails with full rig (mainsail, staysail, genoa and mizzen sail, yes the full works) and how Chichester must have felt when sailing on a similar day, sunshine, wind and boats trucking along at good speed.   Was reading one of his books as well and I could imagine how it was for him at the various times as I read his accounts on his voyage.  As we were having deck showers one day, Sam remembered a picture of Sir Chichester taking a bath and we re enacted the scene and it was perfect.  Only thing was that we could not get it to convert to black and white.     

Had a chance to practice using the sextant as well and was a bit lost at first as I was used to the plastic one that I had onboard Feng and they had split horizontal mirror whereareas the one we had onboard was a new one where the images overlap.  Takes a bit to get the suns image at first with trying out the filters (also trying not to fry your eyes as well) and then hey presto.   

It had been a great experience for me to be part of such a national heritage and also onboard one of the first boats to circumnavigate.  It was a pleasure sailing with all on board – Sam, Gordon, Enrico, Greg & John, could have done with some more wind couldn’t we?  Many thanks also to Corum and UKSA for giving me the opportunity to be on board. 

23 November 2006

Just passed Langkawi, Malaysia

Today am on mother watch, haven't done that since my BTGC days 6 years ago. Only thing on board Gipsy Moth the diesel stove doesn’t really have a temperature control.  So it's not hot, hot then very very hot.  Tried to make potato pancakes but all fell apart so it became potato scramble instead. mix in  a little bit of chill sauce and it was edible.  But it was so hot down below whilst cooking i was sweating buckets.  This boat was definitely designed for the cold weather.

Can't believe that we are still under motor.  it's been over 50 hrs and the wind gods have not let up.  we're about 24hrs away from Phuket.  Looks like this is going to be a power boat trip on one of history's sailing icons.

22 November 2006

Just passed Port Klang, Malaysia

It's been 30 hrs since we left the Republic of Singapore Yacht Club.  Have not stopped motoring since then ... yup, classic Singapore to Malacca delivery where there is no wind or if there is it's on the nose.  Good thing strapped to the deck of Gipsy Moth is 200L of diesel.  Hope that it will not be like that for the entire journey as it would be nice to see her with full sail up and sailing along.  Last night we had a few nasty clouds pass by bit nothing too much and it didn't last long but the little droplets of rain did, nice...

It's been a long time since i last sailed with other crew and this is great! Everyone rotates watches, right now we have three watches of 2 that means we are on watch for two hours and off for four.  Think I’d be well slept by the time i get to Phuket! Each watch rotates the days on mother watch where they do all cooking and cleaning and Greg and I figured out that we'd probably have to only do one day of mummying so we're planning three good meals tomorrow whilst we're on our night watch tonight.

To follow the route of Gipsy Moth as we 'motor' our way up - www.gipsymoth.org

19 November 2006

Gipsy Moth IV in Singapore

Since I started sailing, I have heard and read (even met!) about many of our sailing heros past and present.  One of such is Sir Francis Chichester.  Sir Chichester won the first Solo Transatlantic race in 1960 and beat his own record when he raced it again in 1962. 

In August 1966, he set off on an epic voyage - the aim was to beat the times set by the Victorian clipper ships for their voyages to Australia.  With his record breaking circumnavigation, Sir Francis Chichester broke a number of records and went down in history with a number of significant achievements:
- Fastest voyage around the world by a small vessel.
- Longest passage that had been made by a small sailing vessel without entering a port of call (15500 miles - more than double the previous record of 7400).
- Established a new record for single handed speed sailing by sailing 1400 miles from point to point in just 8 days.
- Twice exceeded the single handed speed record for long passage. Gipsy Moth IV's speeds where 131 3/4 miles per day for 107 days and 130 1/4 miles per day for 119 days.
- Achieved the first true solo Circumnavigation (where track passes over two points antipodean to each other) via the three capes of Good Hope, Leewin and Horn, making only one stop.

She was never sailed again after returning home in 1967 but took up her concrete dry dock in Greenwich next to The Cutty Sark, only to leave it briefly for some restorative work in 1997.   After nearly 40 years in dry dock, the ravages of fresh water ingress and a lack of funds to look after this iconic yacht had left her in a sad state of repair. 

After an initial campaign by Yachting Monthly called 'Stop the Rot', UKSA stepped forward to lead the restoration of this classic yacht. After 5 months of incredible effort, Gipsy Moth IV was once again re-launched at the Camper and Nicholson yard in Gosport on the 20th June 2005.

With Gipsy Moth IV fully restored to her former glory and re-launched on 20th June 2005, she was ready to embark a second circumnavigation.  In contrast to Sir Francis Chichester's original voyage in 1966-67, this time the focus is not setting records, but to change the lives of those involved and provide a window on the world via the use of groundbreaking technology as GMIV undertakes this historic voyage.

The voyage started in September 2005 and will take 22 months, this time via the trade winds route, incorporating 25 countries and 32 official stopovers, covering over 30,000 nautical miles in the process.  Singapore is its 20th stopover. 

Aside from his technical achievements Sir Francis achieved something much more personal.  With a courage and self-discipline which defies description he drove himself to the limits of human endurance, and in doing so he succeeded in making his dreams come true.  His efforts inspired a new generation to break out and realise their dreams.

This opportunity to be able to sail with ‘the’ Gipsy Moth and be a part of this project is an honor for me and I am very much looking forward to seeing the contrast in sailing her as I have previously sailed modern racing yachts.  There are still some of the old technologies left on the boat alongside the more advance systems.  Six crew onboard and proper lodging… this would be luxury for me. 

We leave Singapore on the 21st and should arrive Phuket before 26th November.  For more information on the voyage and the project, www.gipsymoth.org

1 November 2006

Route Du Rhum

Never thought I’d be able to be at the start of the Rhoute Du Rhum.  Arrived back from the Mini Barcelona , gave Feng her usual through wash down then headed to catch a flight to see the race.  When I arrived it was incredible, it was like the start of the Mini Transat but only bigger.  Had seen the 60s and trimarans before in Salvador but this time there were a lot more of them.  Joining the fleet this time were the Open 40s, this class was started as a midway class between the minis and the 50s & 60s.  I felt like I was in wonderland and wished I was joining them on the start line. Six Minists are on the line up in the start line, Ian Munslow, Phil Sharp, David Lefabre, Yvan Noblet, Nick Bubb and Cecil.  Was glad I was able to give Phil a hand in the preparations over the last few days as it gave me an insight to a bigger class of boats and what it was like.  Unfortunately I was unable to get myself a ride to see the start but watch it in the press office on the big screen instead.  Next time… 

You can follow the race at www.rhoutedurhum.org

26 October 2006

Last race on board Feng … for now

Winds were light to start with, just the way I like it than all the unnecessary scare of running into another fully powered at the start line.  There was only two options to get to Menorca, but in the end the both choices made not much difference.  It was light when the boats started to arrive Menorca to start the rounding.  Had problems trying to make Feng reach and felt that I was losing out to the boats in the night.  Little did I know that I was near the front of the pack when I got there but it seemed like it was at the back.  Plugged on and got very frustrated when I was being over taken by other boats along the reaching stretch.  Rounded the island and the winds got up a bit and as the night fell more wind came and at one point it was rather wet and puffy, good thing it came from behind.  Had the kite up then till I was totally going off about 20 degrees.  Decided to take her down change the foresail back to the genoa and let the pilot do it’s best when I tried to get a bit of a shut eye.  Funny how you keep track of your sleep when you are on a longer race but when the course is so short one tends to try and stay up to eek as much out of the boat as possible.  Daylight came and suddenly thru the waves I spotted little sails all around me.  It was a close finish for the mid fleet with about 10 of us coming in within 30 mins.  This race was one of the shortest I have done, broke nothing but felt I could have done better.

For a short video of the race , www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLeiFt0b5_Y&mode=related&search=

Well, it’s come to the end of the Mini Season 2006 and also my Mini campaign.  Now it’s time for me to part with Feng, hope that she will go to the next owner who will continue to race her.

I would like to say a very big thank you to Pearl Energy, Compass Energy, Dr Khoo and Singapore Food Industries and all those who have helped me through out this season.  It would not be possible with out you.  Also not forgetting the sponsors in 2005, friends and family who have seen me through the difficult times when I had just started with the Minis.  The list would be very long but you know who you are, my heartfelt gratitude to all for believing in me and helping me make this start. 

Well it’s on to the next campaign then … ;O)

20 October 2006

It´s all happening now. All the boats that will be arriving have arrived and it looks like a strong fleet.  There are more series boats then prototypes.  Weather seems to be rather constant with little shifts throughout the weekend.  This race would be speed and tactics on getting the little shifts.  As we have to round Menorca, that would play a major part in the game, how we round it and when we round it will be crucial. 

Feng is ready set to go.  Repaired autopilot arrived today thank goodness.  Had a bit of a problem with it getting through customs.  But paid the dues and got the ram.  Last minute tweaks have been done, now it’s just looking at the meteo over the next 12 hrs to see how we are going to get round the course.  A good night’s sleep and a good breakfast should set us both well on the road. 

Seems like speed will be king in this race plus a bit of forward thinking on what wind is going to do ahead. 

The fleet should be back by Monday afternoon local time.  Follow the race site for updates.

18 October 2006

Déjà vu – the weather in the Med.  Cloudy, sunshine, windy, grey skies, all can happen in a day.  Half the fleet is here already and the securitychecks have begun.  Will have mine later today when it stops raining.  Meanwhile, the Club is getting crowded with us Mini sailors who hog the electric outlets for our laptops or suddenly the staff canteen is filled with French speaking people.  Everyone is wondering what the weather would bring, but some say, it’s the Med, just go out there and see as the forecast is not accurate. 

To follow the race www.maritimbarcelona.org

12 October 2006

What a wet day it’s been.  Since last night it’s been raining non-stop, well at least the thunder and lightning has stopped.  Ginette (Mini 19) arrived this morning, boy did I feel for him having to be out there last night with all that going on.  I was having a hard time sleeping in Feng which sounded like being in a drum.  I have just got back to Barcelona to get Feng ready to compete in the Mini Barcelona next week. 

Have been back home over the last couple of weeks and it was good to be able to catch up with family, friends and sponsors.  It helps the mind to recuperate as it’s not as easy as taking train to go home after each race, for me it’s a 13-15hr plane ride home.  Thought I’d left the haze back in Singapore to come to some nice weather but I was shockingly reminded when I arrived that summer has ended in these parts of the world and it’s getting a bit chilly day by day.  It’s double layer sleeping bag time on the boat… .

The race to Soller today was postphoned due to bad weather further out a 5-7 possibly more so they delayed it to tomorrow.  Feng and I were supposed to enter this race but unfortunately we are too small under the regatta rules.  Many laughed about it being a silly rule but I guess I can understand it from an organisation’s point of view, these club races are not like the Mini races where we have a or more security boats watching out for us as we race without engines.  So let’s say if we run into any trouble, what are we to do?

Awaiting for the rain to stop so I can go up the mast to check that all is good and also the VHF antenna looks a bit wobbly.  Re-tensioned the rigging a little and then tomorrow morning I get lifted on the crane to just clean the bottom, looks a bit slimish from where I am at the moment.  Then it’s sail, sail, sail every afternoon till we have to be here for security.  Whops, the rain just got heavier…

Having this written on a new Compaq, courtesy of Richard of Pearl Energy.  The previous laptop died on me whilst I was back home, bear with me please those whom I own pictures articles etc.  I will get my files collated eventually. 

6 September 2006

Back in Palamos with Mos Brothers (the new Zero factory). Getting Feng a new pole and repairing little things that were damaged. Been non-stop since we arrived Les Sables. Immediately the following day the boat was due on the truck so had to get the boat taken apart ready for trucking and then load her and drive all the way down South to meet the boat. In Port Carmargue put her back together again and then sail on Sunday over to Palamos. Phew, the life of a Mini sailor.

Once I get the pole repaired, I would be sailing her back to Club Maritime to place her ready for the Mini Barcelona in October. Looking forward to head home for a bit.

31 August 2006

Alor … there is an Azores high afterall … and I found it big time.

Yes it does exist and my fear of Finisterre led me to sit in it for a long time. Now I know the default is North when in doubt. Well, for the next time in 2008. The Les-Sables – Les Acores race is highly recommended.

Leaving Azores we had a fair bit of a blow, we Minis do not like upwind bashing really and we had that for the first couple of days. My knee was still numbed by Ibroprofen and a rather tight knee brace so I was pretty much hopping about in the cockpit. Slowly the places changed and I saw less and less boats around just via the VHF vacaccions we knew that where were people around me but majority of the time it was puzzling on what the rest were doing.

Had Roger’s guide to tell me the rough scenario but as always there was always this feeling of wondering if I am heading the best route or now as with Meteo one can never tell. Sat in the high for a good couple of days making 40 to 50 nm a day. Very frustrating but at least I was not alone there were a couple of us around so it was reassuring. Then when we finally left the high it was kites up again and back to covering over 120 to 140nms for a day then as it goes again, disaster struck.

My tiller arm broke and then the pole again (yes again) the first time it bent in an angle that I could stil use it and then it finally broke loose and I had to wrestle my code 0 down in about 25knts of breeze and roll it up in a ball and shove it into the boat then to sort out something to steer the boat whilst I try and change the pilot extension piece.

After what seemed like hours I managed to get the extension piece off and put Sandra (autopilot) back on but unfortunately she was a bit worn from the 1st leg already and she was not functioning properly. Once in a while I would broach or gybe suddenly when I was trying to get some sleep. Still had about 450 nm to go and I was feeling miserable. Well, at that time I had not know that one of the boats at the back had more troubles than I had.

Finally came nightfall and I was 10nm to the finish line, winds had dropped but still I was going about 4 to 5knts. Then suddenly I heard thud thud thud… it was pitch bl;ack and I jumped and tried to see what it was. Had hit a fishing buoy and it was caught on my rudders. Sheesh I thought I was so close to the finish line, am tired as I had not slept much for the last few nights and the last thing I needed now was to have a fishing net caught on my keel. Luckily it was only a buoy and I managed to remove it from my rudders and the boat carried on again. Thought cool in about two hours I’d arrive. Not. Just as I was one mile from the finish line, the wind died and I was crawling at 0.5 knts. It took me about an hour and a half to finally cross the line.

Arriving on the pontoons was the greatest feeling and I was totally tired and hungry as hell by then. Managed to get some food in my system and then fell asleep without my regular routine of getting the boat packed up, cleaned, a bath and all. Think everyone that came in was the same.

Overall I’d say that it was not a good race for me I had hope to come in a better place. Well, things happen and you just have to cope with it. Most important is that we arrived.

Many thanks to the Classe Mini, the organizers of the race and also nice to have met the new Minists and also meet the old ones again. Till next time or next race.

A le prochaine!

15 August 2006

Race postponed

Top (clockwise) - Where we were berthed in Horta, Andy Abel's remaining bits of the boat, My masterpiece on cement, Bowspirit's fixed, Cafe Sport in Horta

The Race Committee has called a postponement to the race due to the weather.  So the race restarts again at 1302hrs tomorrow.  For some they are a bit disappointed to have to wait for another day.  I am actually rather glad not to go so I can rest my knee for another day. 

Right now all of us are split to go back to bed, find another proper meal, find cars to visit the island now that we have some time (but it's a bit wet for sightseeing) or just chill out.  I would like to sit somewhere to read a book but there aren't any around here. 

One more day of terra firma then. Follow the progress on www.lessables-lesacores.com

11 August 2006

What Azores High?

Before the race we were all wondering how to make it to the Azores and escape the high, well, the weather we had for sure was not what I had expected of typical high pressure.  Where were the blue skies and puffy clouds?  Think some of those without generators with just solar panels suffered a little energy-wise.  It was overcast skies till the morning I arrived Horta. 

The start was rather gloomy with a front passing through so it was overcast and drizzling.  But after a couple of hours the wind died behind and the sun was out and we were left floating.  First night was nice with 8-10knts but then the next day a front passed and we were on our ears banging upwind through the Biscay.  For those who don't know what it's like to sail upwind, I heard one of the boys explaining it to someone else before and I think this really sums it up.  It's like driving your car on a road full of potholes, it's windy and raining outside and your windows can't shut. 

Eventually we made it out of Biscay after being messed about by a few fronts coming through. I got stuck rounding Finisterre so wasted a bit of time tacking out of it, not to mention the ships when we crossed the channel.  Wonder how many of us actually called up the ships to ask for clarification that we have been seen.  I did that about three times.  One of the Coms Officer was nice, the next he said we were far away (yeah right!) and the last had no reply.  These are the ones that I would be worried about, that means that there is no one on the bridge!?!

After get out of Finisterre, the winds swung further aft and it was time for the spinakkers!  Yipee I thought finally and got everything rirgged up and checked double checked and then hoist.  All was well for about 10 mins, the waves were a bit big but that gave the extra surf and Feng was trucking.  Then I put Sandra (autopilot) on to go forward to drop the Solent.  We must have caught a wave as the next thing I knew I was hanging of my stancion with water up to almost my waist.  It was a surreal experience and I thought to myself something's going to go.  True enough the pole buckled.  I was so upset and disappointed.  It's taken a lot more hammering than that previously and it stayed rock solid, why this time and on the first hoist?  I would not have felt so bad if I had been flogging it too much for a day or two and just mistreating it but just in the first 10 mins...?

Tried my best to see if I can rig up something else but no avail and I was risking of breaking my kites.  So for the rest of the way I took care of myself, slept enough, listened to BBC and made sure I was not starved.  It was very hard when you listened to the placements everyday afer the weather report and you are sliding further and further back.  Well I was not the only one who broke the pole but I was one of the earlier ones who did. 

Lesson learnt maybe a spare spinnaker pole for a long race as such the next time?  These few days to fix the remaining bits and bobs on the boat and rest well for the next leg. 

31 July 2006

Some pics of the start of the Les Sables - Les Azores - Les Sables Race, courtesy of Gilbert. Enjoy.

29 July 2006

Night before the depart...

Sitting here in the outside of the Espace Courers typing away last emails, and looking at the last few emails and the last weather updates from Roger. There's only tomorrow morning before I have to "hand in" my computer before the race starts and we get towed off. Seems like a pending logisitics nightmare. Best is to have someone on the pontoon where you can pass all unnecessary dead weight just as you let the lines go.  Competition is very high this year as I have seen over the last week.

It's going to be tricky to see where to go and how to enter the Azores and avoid the high.  Well we should know tomorrow.  Am one of the first few to exit the harbour so have to be prepared by 10am. They say that the winds are going to be about 10 - 20 for the start depending on the front.

There are 70 boats in the race, six females, four in the series class including myself. A couple of the Mini Transat competitors are in the race too.

Tonight we'd get used to sleeping on Feng as the next two nights are going to be a bit rough.

Well everybody, here we go again.  Follow the Les-Sables - Les Acorez - Les Sables race progress here.

24 July 2006

Les Sables D'olonne, home of the Vendee Globe

Can't believe that I am here at finally at Les Sables, have heard about this place from the Vendee Globe and have always wanted to be here.  Have yet to have some time to have a look around yet as there are all the securities, checks and final preparations before the start of the race on Sunday.

As always, trucking the boat is not my favourite bit, but she got here in one piece and I must say it probably was the fastest that I had put a boat together - mast spreaders rigging and all.  Within 830am - 1130am we had four boats off the truck, mast and all towed to our spots in the pontoon 200m away.  When I arrived the PC Course to register, there stood waiting for me was my food from Singapore Food Industries for the race.  One worry ticked off.  There are 68 entries in this race from Les Sables to the Azores (Portugal) and back so I am trying to get my security checks and seals done so that it was not a 'catastrophe' (must be said in a French accent) in the coming days.  Have almost cleared everything just have to make some changes and buy some new stuff for the new rules.

Had a chance to go sailing yesterday, Yann came by from La Rochelle to give a hand over the weekend and we had got a lot of things done.  So managed to check that all is alright just have to sort out a few things after noticing it was not right whilst we sailed.  For us who come to the race via truck it's better to get a bit of sail test in just in case.  The prologue is on Wednesday so we'd be able to see if all is good with the changes and final weeks.

Off to get the boat a bit cleaned up for a picture session with one of the commercants here in Les Sables.

17 July 2006

She's on the hard again....

Feng is back on the hard getting ready for the trip to Les Sables.  We had to be lifted earlier as the yard had no slot for us to be hauled out any later.  Good thing as well as when she got hauled out there was a lot more work than I had expected to be done.  Only thng is this that it make living on the boat a bit harder as i have to remember that I am on the hardstand when I need to go to the loo in the nights.  Have a little sticker on the door to remind me.

All the usual maintenance to be done to Feng before a big race and some changes to make life a bit more comfortable.  Gave the bottom another sand so that she is smoother, made some changes to the positions of things as had been advised by some other sailors to hope to make the boat go a bit faster as weight distribution on these boats are incredibly crucial.

Wednesday we get trucked to Les Sables D'lonne to join the other 70 boats in the race.  This time there all be three Zeros in the race so it would be interesting to see how we perform against each other and also against the fleet.

Back to fixing the boat, it's electronics day today.

13 July 2006

Deja Vu

Once again the boat's on the hard, the final preparations are underway for a big race.  We are due to be trucked to Les Sables for the Azores race next Wednesday.

Things move efficiently here, only two days ago we arrived from the Mini Max.  Results are out on the site and we came in 8th in the Series class.  Nice, had lots of good tactical practice with Craig as we plugged along the course.  Funny how at times we still feel that we are at the back of the fleet then later when we come to the marks we see the rest of the boats.  Leg to Ajaccio was fairly decent, usual lack of winds in the nights but we plugged on trying to edge out as much speed as we could with Feng and we arrived Ajaccio  22nd of the fleet of 50 boats.  Enroute back it was windless for a good bit of time and it was also the height of summer here, and being Singaporean I was already feeling the uncomfort of having to bake in the sun for long hours.  As we came nearer to Porquerolles, there was a forecast for bad weather for the coast of Marseille and the race committee decided to pull the plug on the race there and we were to make our way back in our own time before the prize-giving on Sunday.  We split into different groups and sailed in conveoy back to Port Carmargue.

This week will be sorting out the little niggly bits of the boat that are still having some bugs and trying to make life easier and nicer on board.  Not to mention the little things to make the boat go a bit faster.  Today I sanded the bottom of Feng and hope she will glide through the waters when we get mixed up with the Azores high.  Job list keeps growing everytime I strike something off.  Think for us there is always something you can make better, we just have to say stop at some point.

Got a week to go.  So have ample time (at the moment!!). Take a look at some of the photos of the Mini Max.

30 June 2006

In Port Carmargue for the Mini Max

It's great to be back in Port Camargue with all the Minis again. Caught up with a few of the sailors from the Mini Transat 05 and it was great. Good to see familiar faces again. This time I am a bit more prepared so the security checks were less stressed, just a couple of changes and new things. Good thing it's not 2008 yet as they are toying with the idea of putting a obliigatory toilet in. How do you fit a toilet in a Mini when there is such little space already? How much more natural can we be doing what we do now?

Tomorrow's another day of short sails to get Craig, who will be sailing with me in the race, familiar with the ropes and things and all. Craig has experience with Olsen 30s before and has bought Zero number 21. Feng is number 8. He's getting on very well with the boat and catching the ropes quick, think he'd be right up to scratch by the time we are on our way back on the 2nd leg.

Forecast is not too much wind, but this is the Med, so we'd see. This time there are no balises on board so results will be only be known when we arrive. Visit www.societe-nautique.com for results.

21 June 2006

Tarragona - Barcelona

Barcelona and Tarragona are about 50nm apart.  It's a great training trip as one is always upwind and the other way down.  Had done the trips before and after the Trofeu Joan Guiu.  Upwind - 15hrs, downwind - 8 and a half.  Over the weekend it was a rare opportunity that there were three Minis out for a sail to Torrendembarra, 10nm towards Barcelona, had something to eat evaluated and then came back.  It was great.  This is the first time I had done something like that as in to train with other Minis.  Could see the difference when you tried out different things to see if they work to make the boat faster without losing the target.

Just got back to Barcelona after yet another upwind haul.  Tonight Adrian arrives and we bring Feng to Palamos to see the new yard, after which we will hop over to Port Carmargue.  Forecast : yet another upwind trip...

13 June 2006

Trofeu Joan Guiu

My first race of the season, was very excited as have made a couple of changes to see if performance would be better. Had sort of a seatrial sailing the boat from Tarragona to Barcelona on Thrusday. Wind was on the nose so it was a uphill slog all the way which was rather uncomfortable but got there in the end in the night and boy was it difficult to find the entry to the port as there were just millions of lights and not to mention the tankers and ferries coming and going into the port.

Race morning, met the rest of the participants and it was yet another surreal experience as there were couple of the famous Spanish sailors here that were to be racing as well. Not sure whether to say it was lucky or not that they were in the other class. Feng has now a RN rating forthe local races here at 1.008. Rather high if you compare with an A40 which has a rating of 1.091. Looked at it as it was training to try and keep up with the 40fts.

First night of the race was very uncomfortable on the Mini, upwind and lumpy. The big boats would have handled the conditions better. Took us about 25hrs to get to the buoy in Menorca and then thought it might be a quick one back as it was downwind. Yup it was downwind but it was light so we ended up charging to the extremes to just get the boat moving to make some ground. Eventually we got in at 3am in the morning.

It was good to have raced with Javier as he had managed to get an extra half to one knot out of Feng in the various angles that we had. Have not seen the boat sailed that way before. This was the first time i had someone who knew the boat sail with me. I was glad and Feng had never felt better. Am looking forward to put into practice what I had learnt in the next race. Also local knowledge was crucial in this race, now I know for the Mini Barcelona in October.

Many thanks to the organisers and the sponsors for the race and gifts. We had a tracking device onboard so you can visit the race website at www.regatacontrol.com to see our track for the race.

Staying in Barcelona Real Club Nautico for a couple of days get some things changed to test before heading back to Tarragona to sail with the other Zero there for the weekend.

9 June 2006

Feng and I arrived in Barcelona yesterday to prepare for the start of the Trofeu Joan Guiu race to Menorca and back. Race starts today at 3pm and besides the boat preparations, there isn't much time to do anything else! Have to keep this short and sweet.

For more information, visit the Trofeu Joan Guiu 2006 website.

6 June 2006

Almost ready...

Back in Tarragona since last Friday and it's been non-stop trying to get Feng ready back in the water.  A new coat of antifouling and orange fluro antifouling as I hope that I do not have to take her out of the water again when we have to truck her.  Think she prefers to stay in the water.

Trofeu Joan Guiu is in three days time, I'm very excited as this is the first time we will be racing in a Spanish race and it is said that there will be some big favourites participaing as well.  Javier (owner of Fast Zero, yard where Feng was built) will be my co-skipper for this race.  Initially, I had thought that there would be three Zeros participating in the race and now it's only us as the other two were unable to make it due to work and a demast in the last race.  Sigh, will have to race with the various classes of boats then.  Will be interesting to see what kind of rating we'd get against the rest of the boats.

We'll be out Wednesday for a training sail before I head off to Barcelona (about 40km away from Tarragona).  Hope the winds are from the north west ...

21 May 2006
Home ....

Finally winds picked up in the late morning that gave us the push across the last miles.  As we approached the finish line off Horsbourgh lighthouse, behind us was a huge thunderstorm as well.  Fortunately we had only the lightning shows and a few showers.  Only wished that it was earlier in the day so i could have shown the rest the coastline of my hometown.  Mom, Dad and friends were there to greet us, it was great as it was the first time they had seen a trimaran.  Welcomes and hugs were said and we were off to fill our stomachs. 

Over the course of the next few days we were getting the tri ready for her trip home.  It was surreal to see the tri lifted onto the deck of the vessel and then as we were strapping her to the racks we were slowly being covered up by containers all around us.  Thanks god it was in the night otherwise i think all of us would have melted under the heat!  Juts a point of reference - Feng takes up 6 container slots and B&Q 120 slots. 

Thoughts of the trip ... For me it was great that Singapore was the final stop for Ellen's Asian Tour, it had allowed my family, friends and fellow Singaporeans to understand more about what I am doing, a visual reference to professional racing yachts and to meet Dame Ellen and the record breaking trimaran.  It was an incredible experience and i had learnt a lot from sailing a tri at the speeds, sailing with Ellen and her crew and the onshore organisation that goes into running the tour successfully. 

12 May 2006
Stuck in between islands...
We've been watching the islands of Tioman Permanggil and Sibu for a whole day.  North of Tioman early yesterday morning then just passed the south of Aur this morning with much difficulty as well. Breaths of 3-4 knts amused us and then leave us desperately chasing the last bit of what's there.  Think we spent a good whole night going at about 1knt and at times backwards.  Very painful.  At one stage we were backtracking to where we were 45 mins before. This is a bit embarrassing really as here is the trimaran, Ellen and her crew and in my homegrounds floating... but there is nothing that can be done it's the climate.  They understand.  Charile and Ellen are both being bitten by the remaining of the mozzies on the boat.  Not long now before I am home. Wish i had the opportunity to show the guys the skyline of Singapore in the day but guess they'll have to see the night one first.  Wait, maybe we might be lucky we have gone up to 7knts now.

11 May 2006
Left paradise...homeward bound

Sadly we had to leave Terengganu yesterday after the great two days of break we had at the Heritage resort.  Everyone there made us very welcomed and we were treated like absolute VIPs.  Another grand farewell and we were off and looking at 35hrs to arrive Singapore.  Headed straight into squalls and rain for most of the night and were were trucking (as compared to now) at 12 - 16 knts.  As usual the many fishing boats but it was the unlit fisihing pots that we were worried about.  Hit a couple, it wa impossible to see.  Just off Tioman island now, we have not been going very fast the whole morning. Opps... we just stopped.

9 May 2006
Terengganu

Arrived Terenganu to a fantastic welcome. One thing was that we made it on time on Sunday, otherwise we would have had to wait till Monday to come in as there was a big fanfare arranged for our arrival. As we came in, there were about 20 boats welcoming us in, a helicopter to film the boat's arrival and as we motored into the marina. It was a good thing that the winds were more in our favour as we arrived in and that earned us a day more on a nice bed. Finally have some time to collate all the pics of the trip.

6 May 2006
Dodging fishing boats and nets ...

One thing about going fast is that things come up at you at quick speed, so pretty much it's like a blessing that we are not going around at the usual 18-20 knts othewise we'd be running over nets over and over again.  The set back is that we are trying to set a record but the winds are not in our favour.Have seen the various varieties of fishing vesses that ply the coasts of each place we past and each having their individual way of fishing. Further down south along Malaysia, through my experiences they are a lot smaller and less lit.  Boy will it be fun... Probably another day to go before arriving Terengganu.

5 May 2006
Finally we get a bit of a break from the wind, we're nicely reaching towards Terengganu at about 12-14 knts.  Finished and started legs 8 and 9 this afternoon when we arrived the gate at Nha Trang.  At present moment we are predicted to arrive on Sunday, we'll see. Just finished dinner of spaghetti bolognase prepared by our ' italian chef', jazz playing on deck and the last signs of the day displaying purplish blue skies dotted with stars, what an evening. Only except for the countless number of fishing vessels that dot the horizon. What we saw last night was not the glow of Vietnam but of the many fishing boats lining the coast.  Off to bed now leaving the next watch to meander through the boats.

2 May 2006
Still on the nose..

It's been a day and a half and it's still on the nose. Hoping tha the winds will swing around so that we can get some proper trimaran sailing. Temperature is getting hotter and hotter as well as we are all trying veyr hard to get some sleep anywhere cool. A bit hard on a boat that it's built for one person in mind. Woke up from watch earlier drenched in sweat... We're almost in Hainan. Just looking out of the window, there are seven fishing vessles dotted around all seem to be converging with us at some imaginery point ahead. Amazing that the ocean is so big but all boats like to cross each other's paths...

1 May 2006
And we're off...

Been in Hong Kong for a week and it's been really great seeing friends again, most of whom I have not seen since I had left for the Mini Transat. Had a couple of corporate days sailing and the top speed that I have been on the boat was 26 knots. Shame as we were heading into Hong Kong harbour so we had to take the mainsail down for better maneuverability. Had a couple of work days to get B&Q ready for the next long leg. On the day of departure, the Teregganu representatives came to do a flag exchange ceremony with Ellen and I think we can expect a very warm welcome when we arrive in Malaysia. We started off with not a lot of wind thus we had not the opportunity to try and attempt the round the island record, B&Q sailed along silently (closed hauled unfortunately) and early this morning winds picked up nicely but still from a southerly direction by hey at least we are not so far off course.

Winds are predicted to be southerly still for now... let's hope they start swinging aft again.

B&Q off Hong Kong harbour. Leaving Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club.

24 April 2006
Weather dependent...

'We might be there tonight!' as we were charging along at 15 knots. Couple of hours later, ' Think we might be having lunch on board tomorrow if this carries on...'. True enough we were left bobbing for hours when were were about 45nm away from Hong Kong. Have learnt from the previous leg that the speed of trimarans change from 6knts to 24knts just like that given the correct wind conditions and I was just hanging on as I did not want to miss the finish.  In the end, I went of to catch my full watch of sleep and woke up and we had not moved much from when I went off. Very frustrating. Good thing that we had a bit of a blow when we left Taipei so I had a chance to experience how it was like when she flies along.  Well I probably have not seen her top speeds but I had seen a good 24.3 knts!  Boy is going back to the Mini going to seem slow...

Am getting used to the size of B&Q and all the maneuvers on board.  We're in Hong Kong for a week before we head off further south to Terengganu!

Flying...	Floating...

20th April 2006
Intro to multihulls...

Had the opportunity to be sailing with B&Q and Ellen's team on their Asian Tour from Shanghai to Singapore.  Arriving Shanghai and seeing the boat was a surreal experience.  B&Q is huge as compared to Feng and I am still getting used to her size and loads on the sails.  Left Shanghai early in the morning to make our way through the looong river to the start line.  This time we had not as much traffic as compared to what they had when they first arrive, no fog as well.

So far it's been a good introduction for me with no massive amounts of wind but I guess I have not seen how fast B&Q can go yet.  Let's hope that I can get to see that as we head further south.  Am enjoying it as we go along the speed that she goes at with minimal amounts of breeze.  Am getting the hang of the maneuvers and all onboard but struggle at the sheer strength you have to have working the winches.  Hat's off to Ellen, she is really fit. So far it's been upwind and a bit of reaching.

Almost there in Taipei, we had to wait around the whole night for the Japanese customs as we had arrived after 5.  But all happened really quick and we were off within an hour and a half.  We are just about 60nm away from Taipei and there is no wind ... how to put it ... 'Se com ca' (it's like that in French?)Read more on B&Q's Asian Tour at www.teamellen.com

2nd April 2006
She floats!

Finally she's back in the water again. Javier, Tio Javier, Flavio and Jerson (the 'A' team) of Fast Zero S.L did a great job having Feng looking sleek and as good as new. Fromo now till the end of the season, Feng will be based in Tarragona. Meanwhile, I would be heading back to Asia and head back to Spaion for the first race in June.

18 March 2006
Works in progress...

Right it has begun, the pics will tell the story better...

4 March 2006
Back in Spain...

It's good to be back here with the purpose of refitting Feng and not to sell her. It was really hard for me to let her go after all that we have been through. Well, at least now we are going to concentrate on getting her up from scratch too ready to race again.

She's all dusty from the transport back and has been sitting in the yard over the last couple of months, but nothing a good wash and scrub will not solve. Then the repairs and changes shall be carried out over the next few weeks. Time to get back in scruffy yard clothes again!

17 February 2006
Encore...After a good break, didn't take me long before I decided that I wanted to head back for more. Many thanks for the owner of the boat, he has agreed that I can keep Feng for the 2006 season. Will be heading back to Spain to get Feng refitted in March.

Races planned for the 2006 season:

Mini Max - 1st to 9th July
500 nautical-mile course, double-handed from Port Carmargue to Ajacio (Corsica) to Port Carmargue

Les Sables to Les Azores - 30th July to 27th August
2,600 nautical-mile solo from Les Sables to Azores to Les Sables

Mini Barcelona - 19 to 24 October
300 nautical-miles solo from Barcelona to Baleric Islands to Barcelona

Spanish races along the South Coast of Spain

Trofeu Joan Guiu - 9th to 11th June
200 nautical-mile double from Barcelone - NW tip of Menorca to Barcelona

Menorca Saint Joan - 22nd to 24th June
120 nautical-mile double from Barcelona to Mao (Menorca)

Mare Nostrum - 20th August
500 nautical-mile double from Barcelona-rounding Balearic Islands to Barcelona

Many thanks to Compass Energy for signing up as the first sponsor for the season!

Read more news from year 2005 and 2004.