TORTUGA crossed the finish line at 01:19:30 this morning to close out the 2019 LongPac. Final scoring will be posted contingent on racers providing proof of crossing the 126 degrees 40 minutes line of longitude.
I am sure there will be many exciting (and perhaps informative) stories at the awards ceremony on July 24, 2019 @1930 (location tbd). See you there. RC
Big thanks and congrats Tom, for the many hours, days, weeks of challenging logistics and cat herding in the SSS efforts of getting the LongPac contingent out and back safely. This race would not have happened without your dedicated efforts.
A question for any who want to respond. What is a good online location for those out of the area and unable to speak with this year's LongPackers, whether finishers or not. I for one will not be able to attend the trophy presentation, yet would love to hear as many "debriefs" as possible. Maybe right here on this thread? Or someplace else?
There is a much experience to be shared, almost all valuable to SSS'ers and friends. Prep, safety, navigation, sail handling, breakage. Basically, what was done that worked, and what didn't.
As the fleet and RC decompresses, a couple of subjects where currently there are more questions than answers:
~ Did any skippers and/or crew take seasickness meds before or during the Race?
~ What was the proximate cause of SEA WISDOM's rudder loss? Did the rudder drop down, or disappear completely? What was the towline secured to?
~ What was the cause of SURPRISE's AP failure, and what could be done differently?
~ What was the best sail combo for what boats in 20-35 knots. Roller jib reefing, hanks, mains'l slab reefing or other.
~ What was the cause of possible broken ribs? Above or below decks?
~ Can the trackers be more synched in the fleet so boats are not pinging at different times and intervals?
~ What was the cause of tracker malfunction that caused a Health and Welfare call to the CG by the RC?
Thanks to AlanH for already having shared his and George's sobering but ultimately successful experience aboard SKYE.