Getting Started

[Intermission]

The to do list should be getting shorter but I keep finding things I want to do

Speaking of which . . . how about adding some cap nuts to those bolts sticking down below deck so you don't tear your head up like last time????

 

[Sailor Dennis]

Aaahh … Hanalei Bay. This year, my fifth voyage here and my fourth time as SSS Hospitality Boat, I made it in 19 days (way longer than you racers will accomplish), wing and wing for half the voyage for a dazzling entrance into the bay. Precisely on the rhumb line, yow! Looking forward to seeing you all soon.

 

[bobwalden]

Just wanted to say bon voyage, fair winds and following seas to all the SHTP skippers. You folks are very inspiring! Be safe.

Bob W

 

[Johnno]

Are there any posts from the racers yet?

 

[DaveH]

Are there any posts from the racers yet?

starting this thread for just that - the short answer is that there are not many, attributable to the bumpy conditions

 

[Johnno]

starting this thread for just that - the short answer is that there are not many, attributable to the bumpy conditions

Thanks Dave
I’ve enjoyed the report’s from the racers on previous races
Look forward to hearing from this years batch of sailors
I hope they are enjoying the race and all it entails
Wishing them all fair winds and short memories

 

[Critter]

Wishing them all fair winds and short memories

Hah! Good point. I'm very impressed with Michael, John and Alex going twice in a row.

 

[SylvesterWorks]

New to the forum, enjoying watching the trackers from this year's race - I have a somewhat random question:

From the photos of all of the entrants, it doesn't appear that anyone is using a wind-vane or hydro-vane type system, am I correct? Is there anything in the "rules" preventing the usage of a device like that?

I'd imagine that sailing single-handed for 20-30 days with following seas for a good part of the trip, something like that would be valuable?

 

[Philpott]

New to the forum, enjoying watching the trackers from this year's race - I have a somewhat random question:

From the photos of all of the entrants, it doesn't appear that anyone is using a wind-vane or hydro-vane type system, am I correct? Is there anything in the "rules" preventing the usage of a device like that?

I'd imagine that sailing single-handed for 20-30 days with following seas for a good part of the trip, something like that would be valuable?

I think sv Innfall, the Westsail, has one at her stern. Look closely. Windvanes are splendid bits of engineering. Randy would know. Tortuga accompanied Innfall out the gate on Sunday. Those Westies are tight.

 

[SylvesterWorks]

I think sv Innfall, the Westsail, has one at her stern. Look closely. Windvanes are splendid bits of engineering. Randy would know. Tortuga accompanied Innfall out the gate on Sunday. Those Westies are tight.

You're right, I missed that one - I was looking for the telltale red or white "flag" at the top. Thanks! I got lost into a rabbit hole of how wind-vanes work yesterday, pretty amazing!

 

[DaveH]

New to the forum, enjoying watching the trackers from this year's race - I have a somewhat random question:

From the photos of all of the entrants, it doesn't appear that anyone is using a wind-vane or hydro-vane type system, am I correct? Is there anything in the "rules" preventing the usage of a device like that?

I'd imagine that sailing single-handed for 20-30 days with following seas for a good part of the trip, something like that would be valuable?

there are actually 2 entrants that have a Hydrovane as a back up steering system - much harder to spot as the mounting is less conspicuous. I am less than certain (in fact I'm pretty confident) that no one is using a wind/hydro vane as their primary auto pilot. Not bagging on wind driven steering here, just stating the facts.
Also, nothing in the rules for this, or any other SSS race, prohibits the use of auto pilots - wind driven or otherwise.