jamottep
Member
Hey hey, well, I signed up for the SHTP 2025. Unlike when I started this thread in 2016, I feel not as motivated. Also, I pretend to be "experienced", to have a well-sorted out seaworthy boat; I may even feel entitled ... of what I'm not sure. I am almost 10 years older and weaker. I am ramping up with about 6 months to go. So, I think this thread will more be about what not to do to win the SHTP.
Lesson 1: don't do it with a boat with a rating that makes winning very unlikely. I'm well set on this one. If memory serves me right, from my calculations for the PacCup, Changabang would have to average 13 kts on course to win. Yeah, not going to happen.
Lesson 2: give yourself plenty of time for your boat to be ready, and for you to be physically and mentally prepared. Sure, Changabang was mostly prepared for the PacCup last year but ... time passes and new things happen that require attention (hint: CaB is going to Bay Marine again next week). As for me, I'm working two jobs (one full-time) and only have 6-7 months to get ready. I am also going through a separation after 25 years, have my daughter studying in Paris (so I'm going there to visit sometimes, i.e. not sailing), and my social network has pretty much been atomized. I have not yet emotionally recovered from the s**t that happened before the PacCup and over the summer. So, yes, a bit of a basketcase with a short runway.
Lesson 3: make sure you want this. The punishment is not to be underestimated in the running up to the event, during the event, the return, and the sorting things out after. As I said above ... I'm not scoring high here either.
Ok, with that out of the way, what am I doing?
1. Getting CaB back into Bay Marine for more underwater work. Nothing crazy or concerning according to the diver, but it has to be done, and hauling out will tell us the real story.
2. Figuring out my life raft situation. Nothing that money or kindness can't solve but it would be nice to be able to service my Plastimo life raft. The way that's going it is likely that buying new will be cheaper.
3. I need to get the upper port lifeline repaired. I discovered that one or two wires were cut right where the cable passes through a stanchion eye. It is completely invisible unless you happen to look right there intently. It may even pre-date my purchase of the boat.
4. And of course, I now need to go through everything again: standing/running rigging, plumbing, engine, deck hardware, electrical (incl. charging), electronics, etc.. Or maybe I'll just wing it? See ... entitlement ...
Anyways ... that's it for now ... I see 6 other boats have signed up. That's not many ... it smells like the race may be canceled? I can't image how 7 racers would make this worthwhile the RC's effort. Maybe it'll be like the old days then? Just go and take your time?
Lesson 1: don't do it with a boat with a rating that makes winning very unlikely. I'm well set on this one. If memory serves me right, from my calculations for the PacCup, Changabang would have to average 13 kts on course to win. Yeah, not going to happen.
Lesson 2: give yourself plenty of time for your boat to be ready, and for you to be physically and mentally prepared. Sure, Changabang was mostly prepared for the PacCup last year but ... time passes and new things happen that require attention (hint: CaB is going to Bay Marine again next week). As for me, I'm working two jobs (one full-time) and only have 6-7 months to get ready. I am also going through a separation after 25 years, have my daughter studying in Paris (so I'm going there to visit sometimes, i.e. not sailing), and my social network has pretty much been atomized. I have not yet emotionally recovered from the s**t that happened before the PacCup and over the summer. So, yes, a bit of a basketcase with a short runway.
Lesson 3: make sure you want this. The punishment is not to be underestimated in the running up to the event, during the event, the return, and the sorting things out after. As I said above ... I'm not scoring high here either.
Ok, with that out of the way, what am I doing?
1. Getting CaB back into Bay Marine for more underwater work. Nothing crazy or concerning according to the diver, but it has to be done, and hauling out will tell us the real story.
2. Figuring out my life raft situation. Nothing that money or kindness can't solve but it would be nice to be able to service my Plastimo life raft. The way that's going it is likely that buying new will be cheaper.
3. I need to get the upper port lifeline repaired. I discovered that one or two wires were cut right where the cable passes through a stanchion eye. It is completely invisible unless you happen to look right there intently. It may even pre-date my purchase of the boat.
4. And of course, I now need to go through everything again: standing/running rigging, plumbing, engine, deck hardware, electrical (incl. charging), electronics, etc.. Or maybe I'll just wing it? See ... entitlement ...
Anyways ... that's it for now ... I see 6 other boats have signed up. That's not many ... it smells like the race may be canceled? I can't image how 7 racers would make this worthwhile the RC's effort. Maybe it'll be like the old days then? Just go and take your time?
