The final ‘limp’ to the finish, and a floating hedgehog12 - 05 - 12
For Nick and I aboard Artemis, reaching 3 weeks at sea has been marked by a highly eventful 24hours. Starting yesterday morning by breaking our 2nd big spinnaker. In an attempt to loose as little to our competitors as possible we spent the rest of the day alternating between sailing/breaking one spinnaker while fixing the other down below. This went on to the point that we lost count of how manytimes we had changed between the two. As night fell, the wind increased and our sail repair supplies were running low, we decided to sit out the night under the small spinnaker and hope for the best by the early morning Position Report.
Should we gybe? or should we have just gybed?10 - 05 - 12
Following my previous blog where I claimed we were on the ‘home straight’, I have been made to eat my words. With two conflicting weather forecasts and a shifty winds to boot, the tactical game continues and we are far from over.
Chasing the Spaniards08 - 05 - 12
We have finally turned the virtual corner south and are finally heading straight for St.Barths. From now, the tactical choices are over and it’s a drag race. We have spent the last week lining our selves up for this leg. Cercle Vert have done well by doing the least distance and are currently leading where as, Sepalumic have gone far south in hope of having a faster final 1000miles and the rest of us are spread out inbetween.
To shower, or not to shower…and the ‘big whomper’- Sam Goodchild 06.05.1206 - 05 - 12
Thankfully our ground hog day today has had a few extra things thrown in the mix. Yep, its still about 15knots from the ENE, it turns left just after sunset for about 6hours every night and if you spend more than about an hour ondeck in the daytime, your brain starts to boil. However, as the sun came up this morning, the silhouette of another Figaro appeared in front of us.
Combing the ‘fro and fighting fish- Sam Goodchild 04.05.1304 - 05 - 12
The last 24hours have been spent trying to reduce our vulnerability out on the left hand side of the course, to do this, we have been gybing lots and pushing hard to get everything out the boat. We’ve put all our equipment centrally in the boat, disposed of any excess consumables and even combed out nicks afro to increase the windage.The differences are minimal but we feel they are there and we will probably rejoin the fleet in a similar place to where we separated 3 days ago.
Day 11- Sam Goodchild 02.04.1202 - 05 - 12
After 4 days of repairing, our broken spinnaker finally came together yesterday. We haven’t tested it but, it is now ready for action if we come across a problem with our current one. This comes as a big relief as we had previously been spending 4hours a day repairing it.
It’s on to St Barths & getting to the sherbert - Sam Goodchild 30.04.1230 - 04 - 12
We are now fully stuck into trade wind sailing which, on face value sounds quite appealing, the sailing we spend a lot of time in Europe dreaming about. Especially the one way type where we don’t have to come back upwind afterwards. However, with the conditions now so stable, we are finding out the harsh reality of being in identical conditions and identical boats is the gains and losses are even smaller. So we are working hard to keep up the pace knowing, that any slip in miles could be impossible to get back.
The ‘perfect groove’- Sam Goodchild 28.04.1228 - 04 - 12
After passing Madeira yesterday, we have been flying south in some perfect conditions; the boat spent most of the night sat in a perfect ‘groove’. We’re now less than 10miles from the Canaries turning gate and, as seems a specialty near these Atlantic islands, the wind has disappeared again. Either way in the next couple hours, we should turn east and head for St.Barts. We are only a few miles behind the next boat and only 17 behind 1st so, combined with a few miles buffer to the next boat behind, we are going to be looking hard to find some inroads into the top 7.
It’s relentless and never stops- Sam Goodchild 26.04.1226 - 04 - 12
Yesterday afternoon we finally got some relief from the constant ‘fire hydrant’ walls of water that had been occupying above deck for the first 4 days. Last night and today have presented their own problems but, at least we have been able to dry out the boat and ourselves (especially our feet) for the first time, being able to go on deck with out having to fully kit up is quite a luxury. Not to mention the rest of the boat that was pretty thoroughly soaked by that stage as well.
No boats, a bit more food and a broken right click- Sam Goodchild 24.04.1224 - 04 - 12
We finally got around Cap Finistère yesterday morning and are now heading down the Portuguese coast. Last night was pretty horrible with a constantly changing wind, just on the angle of spinnaker or no spinnaker, we spent the whole night pushing hard, changing sails and worrying that we were on the wrong sail.
A lot of wind, but not much food- Sam Goodchild 23.04.1223 - 04 - 12
We are definitely through the worst of the weather now with the boat currently reaching along in ‘only’ 25kts after 46kts we had last night.
Word from the AG2R- 22.04.1222 - 04 - 12
Just a quick update, all is well on board. We have settled into a comfortable routine and are happy to be hanging onto the leading back, albeit the back of the leading pack, we are very much still in touch. The start went well, we were happy to come out incident free and our only breakage so far has been one of our 2 weed sticks for removing seaweed off the rudder.
T-2 days19 - 04 - 12
With less than 48hours to the race start, I can happily report that all is going to plan so far. The final week leading up to a transat can easily be quite stressful, having to prepare ourselves and the boat to be at sea for over 3 weeks; with the capability of fixing any problems we are bound to encounter as well as stay competitive.
AG2R Prologue15 - 04 - 12
My comment a few weeks ago about being over prepared for the Transat AG2R was tempting fate as with 10days to go in the middle of last week, we found ourselves with a couple of problems on our hands…
Week out- 2012 and beyond.26 - 03 - 12
The turn around after the Solo Massif Marine last week was quick and we left straight after the prize giving on the delivery back to our training bases. My fine vessel, Artemis 23, went straight to Port La Foret where it has spent the week in a shed being repainted for the season starting in 4 weeks with the Transat AG2R.
The season is finally underway22 - 03 - 12
After safety checks, shortened courses and delays due to fog the first event of my season finally got underway last Friday. With 4 days of preparation and the first security checks of the season (which are always the hardest ones) we headed out for the scheduled start on Thursday.
First race of the season12 - 03 - 12
We’ve spent the last 2 weeks training in preparation for the Solo Figaro Massif Marine 2012, which is the first event of the season. It doesn’t count towards the Championship of France (like the Figaro and Izmir Cup) but, it is the first time we get to race against the majority of our competition and see how we are doing after the winters training.
Food, Rope and Physios27 - 02 - 12
The last week has unfortunately been spent off the water but, has been very productive all the same. Most of it was spent driving around the country collecting supplies for the season. With the AG2R less than 2months away and the Figaro only a few weeks after we get back, things are going to happen very quickly.
Back to Figaro-ing!13 - 02 - 12
Since returning from my stint in the Global Ocean Race 6 weeks ago, all my time has been spent preparing for the 2012 season..
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Global Ocean Race leg 2 winners!03 - 01 - 12
Finishing in Wellington in the pouring rain, 40+knots of breeze and the storm jib up, the overwhelming feeling was relief.
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Under 24 hours left in leg 2 of the Global Ocean Race!29 - 12 - 11
Our last full day at sea and in contrary to the past 3 weeks we are slamming up wind again.
Racing down to the wire in the Global Ocean Race leg 2…27 - 12 - 11
We had our christmas at sea and as expected it was no normal christmas but, we tried our best.
Christmas at sea in the Global Ocean Race24 - 12 - 11
Christmas eve at sea and our early Christmas presents have started.
Dropping below 10 knots…23 - 12 - 11
For the first time in two weeks we’ve seen our average speed drop below 10 knots.
Record setting…again!22 - 12 - 11
We are currently building on our biggest 24hour run yet which, sits at 358miles and building as I type and Conrad sleeps…its hard work down here.
Day 19: Freedom!19 - 12 - 11
We finally reached the end of the second security gate this morning and that means that for the next 2300 miles to wellington, we can go wherever we like.
Day 17: Reaching over the ice gate16 - 12 - 11
We are now reaching over the top of the final security gate, set so that we are within reach of the Australian rescue services if need be.
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Day 15: Half way to New Zealand!14 - 12 - 11
Fifteen days into leg 2 of the Global Ocean Race and we have just passed the half way stage!
Day 13 & getting colder!12 - 12 - 11
The front thats been tormenting us for the past 4 days, finally passed over us at daybreak this morning.
Day 11: Drama onboard10 - 12 - 11
Occasionally a wave will come along that picks up the boat and sends it skipping like a stone(taptaptaptap) over the next few waves at about 20knots…off like a rocket
Passing the ice gate and heading south08 - 12 - 11
Yesterday afternoon, we finally reached the end of the Ice gate we had been skirting the edge of for the past 600miles.
One Week at sea and one week a vegetarian07 - 12 - 11
We have now had 2 days of piece and quiet following our 3 day ‘going through a car wash in a convertible’ sleigh ride
Day 5: Roaring forties04 - 12 - 11
Life on board is going well and consists of the the three things I most enjoy in life in a continuous 24-hour circle…SAIL, EAT, SLEEP, SAIL, EAT, SLEEP…
Day 3: Global Ocean Race02 - 12 - 11
We are now into the beginning of day 3 and….It’s Conrad’s birthday.
Day 1 update from the Global Ocean Race…30 - 11 - 11
We sailed past the infamous Cape Horn in the early hours of this morning but, it was too far away to see.
Global Ocean Race starts tomorrow!28 - 11 - 11
Since arriving in Cape Town 3 days ago I have been busy getting used to the new boat, skipper and set up.
Six days of the Transat Jacques Vabre21 - 11 - 11
Our Transat Jacques Vabre race may have ended prematurely but we felt we made the best of our 6 days of racing.
Lining up in La Harve02 - 11 - 11
We arrived in Le Harve for the 2011 Transat Jacques Vabre 10 days ago now.
Figaro Racing: Season 106 - 10 - 11
My first season in the Beneteau Figaro 2 class came to an end last week when we finished the Quiberon Solo.
Double-handed racing in the Tour de Bretange21 - 09 - 11
The Tour de Bretagne proved to be an intense and exciting week of racing with 30 very closely matched Figaros sailing inshore and offshore double-handed.
My First Figaro07 - 09 - 11
Having completed my first, and hopefully not my last, Solitaire du Figaro a couple weeks ago, I have had the chance to reflect on the experience.
Solitaire du Figaro Leg 4 Finish!25 - 08 - 11
The 2011 Solitaire finished in classic Figaro style yesterday with the first 40 boats finishing within an hour.
What a finish in Les Sables d’Olonne!20 - 08 - 11
Finishing into Les Sables d’Olonne was a pretty special experience which is like no other.
Solitaire du Figaro: Leg 212 - 08 - 11
After a disappointing leg one and a good 4 days resting in Caen to put it behind me, I set out to the Start on Sunday rearing and ready to make some improvements….
A testing first leg for the Solitaire du Figaro03 - 08 - 11
After struggling through leg 1 of the 2011 Solitaire du Figaro, having finished in 45th, I find my self struggling to get many positives from the situation.
It’s happening!25 - 07 - 11
This morning we had the welcome briefing for all the skippers competing in this years Solitaire du Figaro, it consisted of a lot of formalities, a few useful bits of information and a few giveaways.
Training in Lorient before La Solitaire du Figaro19 - 07 - 11
2 weeks today we will be well into the first leg of the 2011 La Solitaire du Figaro and the last 9 months of preparation will be showing itself as to how productive it has been.
Out the water preperations08 - 07 - 11
Since the boat came out the water a week ago, its has been very very busy for the whole shore crew working through the jobs list and for the painters trying to strip off the old paint and reapply the anti-fouling with a smooth, go-faster finish.
Round the Island Race28 - 06 - 11
The JP Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race 2011 was a wet wild 7hours for the 6 of us onboard Artemis 23.
Training in the Solent23 - 06 - 11
Since getting back from the La Transmanche I have been back in the Solent doing a bit of training by myself and joined by Conrad Humphreys and Nigel King.
1st ‘Rookie’ and 3rd Overall in the Transmanche13 - 06 - 11
With 6 weeks to go to the start of the Solitaire du Figaro, the Transmanche was the last time we will get to line up with most of the fleet before it really matters. My race, despite consisting of a lot of ups and downs, saw me finish as the 3rd solo and the first ‘Bizuth’ or rookie.
New course for the Transmanche10 - 06 - 11
A new course for the Transmanche has been announced
Final preperations for the Transmanche09 - 06 - 11
The last day of preparations for the final practice event of the season has gone pretty well for the 3 ‘brits’. Conrad Humphreys, Nigel Kind and myself have had nothing but small jobs to do on the boats, leaving plenty of time to look at weather and the racecourse.
7 weeks to the Solitaire du Figaro07 - 06 - 11
Following the UK Figaro national Championships a couple weeks ago, we took the boat back to Cowes (fun sailing on the delivery) and then spent a week there continuing to tweak some of the boats systems and install some new electronics.
2nd place in the Solo Basse Normandie24 - 05 - 11
Yesterday morning I crossed the finish line of the Solo Basse Normandie 2011 in 2nd place, this was a good moral boost and my qualification for the Solitaire du Figaro in August.
Solo Basse Normandie starts tomorrow at 13:0019 - 05 - 11
We have just had a weather briefing with Nico for the Solo Basse Normandie that starts at 1300 tomorrow afternoon. Light winds on saturday have made the race committee shorten the course from 260 miles to 200.
Focused Figaro training with Nico Berenger18 - 05 - 11
After the Solo Concarneau I came back with a list things that I was happy with and thought went well and a list of things I want to focus my coaching towards with Nico Berenger our Figaro coach.
Retiring from the Solo Conarneau07 - 05 - 11
I sit here in an Internet cafe looking out the window at the finish line of the Solo Concarneau, feeling highly disappointed that I haven’t just crossed it like the rest of the fleet.
2 days to go!03 - 05 - 11
Today we arrived in Concarneau to meet the other 2o-odd boats preparing for the race starting on Thursday.
Getting ready for the Solo Concarneau!30 - 04 - 11
After a refreshing week back in England, where I spent the first few days eating lots of chocolate (Courtesy of Easter weekend) and the last few days sorting the plans for the season, I am now reunited with my boat and in Lorient. At long last The Atlantic!
Organisation week16 - 04 - 11
I got back to La Grand Motte less than two weeks ago now, still it feels like two months….so much has happened!
Winning the Artemis Offshore Academy Scholarship09 - 04 - 11
After the long two months of selection races and then the one-week of roller coaster mind games, trying to weigh up my chances, the selection committee made a decision and thankfully it has turned out better than I ever could have imagined.
The selection process draws to a close26 - 03 - 11
After two months of races the indicator series and our selection process for the scholarship has come to an end. In all we completed 2 offshore races (48hours), 3 coastal races (24hours) and 7 inshore races.
200 mile final indicator race22 - 03 - 11
The night before the last race of our selector series, which coincidentally is the longest race so far, 200miles.
Penultimate race week in the indicator series18 - 03 - 11
The penultimate week to the selection process has come to an end, despite the major race having to be shortened because of too much wind; we still managed a 24hour race along the coast.
Testing conditions in La Grande Motte12 - 03 - 11
Another very eventful week has come to an end in La Grande-Motte and yet again we’ve all had a lot of fun and still learning a lot.
Speed testing04 - 03 - 11
After a very productive few days with TEEM explaining electronics to us, at the end of the last training period, I stayed in La Grand Motte for an extra week do a bit of work on the boats as well as some extremely valuable extra training with a couple of the other French Figaro sailors (Mathieu Girolet and Damien Cloarec).
Start of the indicator series17 - 02 - 11
The first block of training of 2011 at CEM in the south of France is now coming to an end with the final two days being in the class room with TEEM who are the electronics experts for the Figaro fleet.
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