Black Feathers
7:00 p.m.
Lat/Long: 24.10 N 153.58 W
Distance to Finish: 325 miles 12 hour mileage: 66 mi
Course: 25 true
Speed: 5.5 knots
Date: 7/29/08
Sorry I have had a busy couple of days, but we are pretty much settled in so I have lots to tell you.
Most all of the larger boats have finished. Wenlemir and skipper are back home in San Francisco, safe and sound. Barbara Euser/Islander has not been heard from in about a week, BUT there isn't as much concern as one would think BECAUSE she did this four years ago...no communication, she just kept until she finished. She did report into a ship the last time the Race Committee heard from her stating she was fine, no communication and her lat/long indicated she was sitting far north of the other in a high...which nmeans no wind. WE hope to see her this coming week. She ahs not set off her EPIRB to notify the Coast Guard so it is assumed all is well.
Our friend, Ruben/Sparky was dismasted on the 27th. He had twin jibs up and decided to put up a reefed main to get more speed. A gust of wind caught him and that was all it took to break his mast. He spent several hours getting his rigging, etc. fished out of the sea. He has a makeshift mast up now but is not making good time. He hopes to finish by August 12th. Robert and I will be here to greet him and celebrate his finish. The Race Committee departs on August 3.
Tonight was the first "tree" I was able to attend. All the "in" skippers were there with their families and friends. Lots of good munchies and great conversation. Everyone is "watching" Robert and Black Feathers.
Tom Kirschbaum's wife (boat: Feral) came up to me at the TREE and said she was really enjoying following Robert on the "dedicated" website. I couldn't figure out how she found the website...McKelvey's Travels. She said she went online and entered "Black Feathers" and somehow she got connected. My goodness, little Ms. Black Feathers is becoming quite the celebrity.
After Tree, Sylvia (Race Committee/Finish Line) asked me to come keep her company on the bluff while NaNa came in. It was really exciting. The skipper, Dwight Odom, called in and said he was 45 minutes out. It was dark, but in about 30 minutes, I saw his lights as he headed into the bay. We watched him, Sylvia took night photos and monitored his finish and then the escort boat went out and Synthia boarded with his wife and he got his lei and beverage of choice and then they let him turn on his engine and come in the rest of the way. You may recall NaNa is the boat that restarted the race due to battery issues. He restarted twice! Third times a charm.
Ankle Biter should be coming in tonight...and then we'll see our small fellas start making their appearances. Six of them are in a cluster...with Sparky unfortunately quite a ways out by himself. Several boats are in touch with him, but he has to conserve his power so "limited" is best for now.
One last bit of news. Robert has decided is NOT going to sail Black Feathers home. Once he arrives we will decide what our options are to get her home.
Black Feathers
7:00 a.m.
Lat/Long: 24.37 N 152.52 W
Distance to Finish: 391 miles
Course: 250 true
Speed: 5.2 knows
Date 7/29/08
Robert is fine, just eager to arrive in Kauai.
Thanks Sarah for taking the position report last night.
I'll write more...have to go stock the condo with food.
