Wednesday, December 15, 2010

7) TransPac 2011 delivery e/m's 5

Hi Dave,

I'll be starting serious planning for the delivery after the holidays.  I'd appreciate your input since you've done the race, know the boat, and have much more west coast experience than me.

Merry Christmas,


Bill

12/16/10

Bill,


I have lots of opinions about this stuff as we all do.  I'll start thinking it thru and send it to you as it comes.

Dave

12/19/10

Bill,

When I prepare for sailing trips I tend to over-analyze and address as many details as possible.  I think it pays off to be well prepared due to all the potential variables involved.

I am in no way the authority but want to at least share what I will be doing to prep for my next several trips.  There is no order of importance to the topics but rather what I am thinking at the moment.  I will start off with clothes.

I have crewed Chasch Mer on a round-trip Waikiki/Lahaina and 1-way Long Beach to Waikiki.  HI water is generally rough.  We will be experiencing it immediately after departure.  The first thoughts that come to mind are that there are whales within a couple miles of departing Waikiki Yacht Club and the boat is well under sail.  It is imperative that we all take precautionary meds prior to leaving to eliminate losing any crew.  I always take non-drowsy Dramamine on the day of departure only.  I have too many experiences of losing half the crew or more within the initial departure and that is tough when it is a skeleton crew to begin with.

1) I always wear long-sleeved and long-pants to combat the sunburn issue.  I work outside in construction and have learned in-depth how to survive in that environment year-round and sailing is no different.

2) Granted it is warm in HI and will be for at least the first 48 hours and very light clothing during the day works.  At night it will cool down and jackets are worn.  Due to the luggage issue it will most likely be a foulie jacket.

3) It will rain and it is pretty important to stay dry and there is no dodger or auto-pilot so that means someone is at the wheel and getting wet.  Once wet it gets pretty cold in that breeze.

4) A light sleeping bag works and I generally sleep in whatever I am wearing and keep plenty warm.  There are 2 berths in back and will most likely be hot-bunked.  There are 2 in the settee and will also be used.  The 2 rat-holes under the settee's will not be used.  I used these on the Transpac and they were dark, hard to get in and out and somewhat cramped but actually comfortable. 

5) Feet-forward sleeping is critical and that makes it pretty hard to use the rat-holes.  I stress feet-forward in case of hitting an object and we come to a sudden stop.  The potential is a neck injury from hitting the bulkhead.  Some pipe-berths are designed head-forward and I could never figure why.

6) The route will take us north of the TP route and I will plan for it to be colder sooner.  There will be no laundry done on board as the clothes will never dry so we have to plan clothing very well.  It is very important to stay dry and keep the clothes dry.  This also means do not store bags and clothes on the floor in case of flooding.  All of Gib's clothes got soaked due to a transom leak the first night out on the '07 TP and his bag was stored in the aft section.  We should plan to store all the bags above the settee's.

7) It is impossible to pin-point the latitude of approach to CA and I will plan for it to be well north of Long Beach but south of SF.  The water temp will be in the very low 50s and the air temp will be the same.  If we get a typical CA marine layer it will be cold and damp with constant drips. 

8) For CA water I wear a 1-pc fairly heavy jumpsuit that is my dry-suit clothing for diving.  I plan to bring this and wear it for the last 3 days or so.  It is the warmest thing I have and have never been chilled with it. 

9) Sailing boots are critical too.  Once we get closer to CA it will get much colder and if you get chilled it is hard to come back from that.  I wear snow skiing socks in mine off CA.  The daytime is not so bad but it is the nights that wear you down.

10) I will bring a heavy set of Gil foulies for this entire trip.  I also have a couple warm hats that also cover the ears.  That cold wind can be bitter.   

On Dec 22, 2010, at 2:12 PM, clive wrote:

Dave,
 
I'm definitely up for bringing the boat across - I'm jazzed by the prospect.  Rhonda's cool with it, and I can work it in context of next job etc.

I'm assuming roughly 4/15-5/15 knowing things can change when it comes to a sail boat.
If it still makes sense to you, plz go ahead and raise with Gib etc.  Let me know if you need anything from me, and I'm happy to have call with Gib etc if necessary.

Cheers, Clive

Clive,

I'll send an e/m to Bill Riner the delivery captain.  I am going to push hard.  I'll work Gib if needed.

Sent from my iPhone / Please excuse brevity and errors.
12/22/10

Dave,

We think along the same lines.  I'd rather be over-prepared also.  Your experience is really helpful for me for understand the conditions.

I rarely get seasick, but I also take Bonine the first day out.  Mark never gets seasick.  Never would have though of sleeping feet-forward, but makes perfect sense.  I have trouble on long trips if I don't stay hydrated.  My digestive system will shut down if I don't.  Your body pulls water away from your intestines when your dehydrated for more that several days.  I learned that at a Wilderness First Aid class I took.  I found out the hard way during the Caribbean 1500.

Not looking forward to no dodger,
bimini, and autopilot.  :-(

If you don't mind, I will forward your email to Mark.  I'm sure he will find it as informative as I did.

Regards,

Bill

12/23/10

Bill,


A very good friend of mine is available to make the delivery if you are looking for crew.  Here are the key stats:


* met in sailing class in 2000

* have sailed the bay together since

* did the Baja Haha 2001 on Learjet

* 2002 June Baja to SF delivery on Learjet

* I have been on both of his offshore runs and vouch for him

* great personality and easy to get along with

* VP at Cisco


There are many qualities that I look for in certain crew spots and he fills the list.  I've talked to him in-depth about this delivery and what is expected and he is willing.  He is not looking to be in a leadership position but would rather be a worker.  I think that is a good characteristic for this run.


He and I are going to bare-boat charter in the Carib starting next winter and we also plan to do the Baja again next Oct.


Please seriously consider him, Clive Foreman, for the 4th spot (or the 5th spot).

Dave

12/24/10


Will do.  Please have him send me a resume.  I think it's doubtful the Chicago guy will go.

Bill

12/23/10

Bill,


These are my thoughts regarding pfd's.  I'm sure we are all on the same page and have no doubts about using them but I figure it might as well get said.  I have seen the spectrum from waist packs to survival suits.  I also want to know and see what gear everyone has as we depart so I know what we are looking for.  I have the following attached to my pfd:


* Mustang Survival with an auto-inflate (typical over the shoulder with built-in harness)

* Water-activated strobe (Firefly 2 Waterbug)

* Manual strobe (ACR electronics not an actual strobe but the lens simulates a strobe with movement)

* Dye pack (used exclusively to be seen from above by a helo)

* Whistle
* Inflatable sausage (bright orange manually-inflated tube that is held vertical to be used to find an object in the water.  This is a scuba device)

* Greatland Rescue Laser Light 

* Orion: Search & Rescue Back Pack Rocket (3 waterproof personal flares)   

*Knife/fid


I will now carry 2 knifes (1 high, 1 low) after having read recent stories of survivors needing a chest and leg knife.  I usually carry a VHF to comm with the boat if I am in the water and cannot be seen.  I also carry a small GPS to give coord's if I am in the water and cannot be seen.


It is my opinion that if I go over I want to have control in the rescue and that is why I carry all the gear.  It is next to impossible to see objects in the water either day or night.  I figure if I go in and we all know I have a radio at least I can call positions.  I also assume that I am lost and will need to wait for a CG pick-up.

When the pfd is inflated it forces the body to lay on its back and the tubes are high on the chest inhibiting access to gear.  All my gear is attached with lanyards that allow it to float at arm's length.  Granted, I have yet to use this stuff and can only prepare based on being in the water during scuba. 

12/24/10

Dave,

These are some damn good ideas.  You must have been a Boy Scout!  I have a Mustang with harness and a pouch for survival stuff.  Don't take flares because of travel hassles, but of course have a strobe and whistle.  Always a knife.  The idea of the VHF and GPS is interesting.  The boat may not see you, but you will probably be able to keep the boat in sight.  I usually wear a Garmin wrist GPS, so I would just need to clip on my VHF.  I did pick up a ACR PLB for less than $200.  I do have a "survival bag" that like the mylar survival blanket, but in bag form so you can  get in and stay warmer.  In cold cold water, you're still screwed but slower.  :-)  I am also getting a crotch strap for my PFD.  Just raced with a guy and they are becoming mandatory on offshore races.

I'm assuming Chash Mer has a MOD pole.

Merry Christmas,

Bill


Dec 25, 2010 09:18:58 AM
Put together a resume.

You will most likely get the crew spot. It looks like his 4th won't do it. Act fast and let's close this deal within the next few days.

Cheers.

Sent from my iPhone / Please excuse brevity and errors.

Dave - resume attached. Thanks for working this!
Clive
 On Sun, Dec 26, 2010 at 8:43 AM

Bill,
I'll dig out my crotch strap.  I used to have it on board and everyone had no idea why and eventually I stopped using it.  I believe in it too.
What model wrist GPS are you using?
Dave

It's a Garmin Foretrex 101.  I love it.  I actually used it to finish a Mexico race when the boat electronics crapped out.

Bill

12/30/10

Bill,

I am forwarding Clive's resume.  He is willing to commit to the trip and I think he is a great fit.

Dave 

12/31/10

Bill,

I have some specific questions regarding fuel.  

What is the fuel capacity in the tanks?

How much fuel will be carried in cans on deck?

How are they attached?

What is the filling procedure?

What is the burn rate?

Burn rate at specific RPMs? (needed to calculate multi-day motoring/motor-sailing)

I have many reasons for this info.  Primarily, and this is not un-common, to calculate how many miles from the target destination that we can start the motor and make it to port.  It is very common to fire up the motor for the final run. 

Many things come in to play.  If we turn east too soon and have to motor thru the high then we need to know how many miles we can motor without sacrificing safety at the end.  The end being that we need the option to be able to motor within 20-50 miles of the CA coast.  The commercial traffic is dense and so is the fishing traffic. 

I don't put as much faith in rules of the road and always fall back on the fact that bigger always wins.

The pacific high is real and can be relied on.   Honolulu is at N21 degrees and there is  great potential that the path we take will go very near N40.  Granted, LA is N34 so there is not a lot of penalty going to N40. 

It is highly unlikely that we will get to turn east at N38 and should plan to turn east higher than N40.  I've heard plenty of stories of boats going a minimum of 400+ due north before having any chance of turning (under sail).  Turning at that early point seems a reward.  

I've also heard stories of going as high as Washington.  The higher up the west coast we get the harder everything gets.  The fishing traffic is much more dense and the swells can be very hard to deal with.  For safety we need to plan an approach much higher than Long Beach and know where all the ports are.  This part of the trip is where it is the coldest and wettest and most dangerous. 

Dave

12/31/10

Bill,

How many 12v outlets?

How many are already taken?

I want to plug in a Garmin 76CSx GPS that remains plugged in the entire trip.  The batteries only last 24hrs when it is navigating.  I want to get a GPS track so I can take that info and overlay it on GoogleEarth. 

I also want to track barometric pressure.

It would be great if there is a 12v in the cockpit.  I can't remember.  I am sure there will probably be 4 handheld GPS's on board since we all like these gadgets.

Can you request Gib to install a 12v in the cockpit?

I am willing to leave mine at the helm for the duration so we all can use the convenience.  I remember in the past that the only info was at the nav station with no repeaters. 

Dave

1/2/11

Hey, Happy New Year!


I'll ask Gib about the 12V situation.  I'm sure we'll have a place to keep yours plugged in.  That will be cool to see it on Google Earth.  I'm glad to hear that you have a barometer.  I've been looking for one.

Bill

 
1/2/11

Hey,

Just talked to Gib.  There is 42 gals in the inboard tank and we'll take 5-6 5-gal jerry jugs extra.  They have never run out of fuel on the delivery and once never used the extra fuel.  The engine is a Vetus 32 hp.  He is sending me the manual which has specific fuel usage rates.  A good way to attach them is to lash a board between stantions and lash the jugs to the board.  We need to remember to duct tape the caps on the jerry jugs.  I've had them come off before.  Also make sure there is a gasket in the caps.

I'm also concerned about the commercial traffic without radar or AIS.  Especially with a good chance of fog.  My last delivery, we went into
NYC at daybreak and spent the entire night dodging trawlers, fishing buoys, and freighters.  It wasn't a big deal, but we had radar, AIS, and a nice clear moonlit night.  I went into Holyhead, Wales, in the fog once during the day.  We could hear, but not see, the fast ferries from Ireland.  No radar and pre-AIS.  A little too exciting for me. ;-)

Good questions...


Bill

1/3/11

I'm glad to hear you had a can issue too.  A can leaked on one of my runs and ran up and down the entire length of the boat for about 12 hours.  It was too rough to fix it in the dark and we waited until sunrise.  Of course the fumes came through my hatch.


I would like to have a worry-free attachment and have seen good ones that use a backing board between stanchions.  There is also room on the upper part of the transom.


I am going to assume that Gib will have the boat fueled and ready when we get there so we don't have to piece it together.  He has too much experience to overlook anything.

Dave 

1/3/10

Bill,


We need a schedule/graph/strict guideline for the use of the hydraulics that tension the back-stay.  We need to know load limits, when to apply, when to ease, etc.


Kokopelli SC52 lost their mast in benign conditions a few years ago doing the same run.  I talked with a crew-member and thru word of mouth it sounds like there was too much pressure applied and it snapped. 

Dave

That sounds like a design problem.  You shouldn't be able to do that.  Probably a carbon fiber mast.  I'll add it to the list of things to discuss with Gib.

Bill

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

6) TransPac 2011 delivery e/m's 4

I saw your video on the BAHA;  nice going, got your name out worldwide due to Latitude.  Also, I see you wrangled yourself another trip to Hawaii on the premise that you know how to sail a boat.  I thought eastbound was a difficult sail.  Doing it for the experience, or just to sail?
Aloha my Son,
Love,
Dad


I offered, well asked, if I could be part of the delivery crew to bring Chasch Mer to Long Beach for the Transpac next July.  Gib said sure and forwarded my info to the delivery captain.  I will do the Transpac on this boat next year too. 




I currently have 19k offshore miles and think I will reconsider what I'm doing when I hit the magical number of 25k which basically equals a circumnavigation.  Funny thing is I am pretty good at it now and have lots of experience so why stop.  With the CA/HI round trip next year I will be in the 23.5k range.  I've been wanting to do the HI to CA run for a while and yes it is kind of into the wind and waves in some parts and could be tough.




I'm sticking with it until I really burn out on it and then I'll probably transition to flying gliders.  Gotta get that out of my system, too.

David 

12/1/10

Bill,

I was able to open your resume but not Mark's; damaged file or whatever and just chalk it up to e/m gremlin's.

The boat should be 100% ready when the crew arrives and the only punch list item should be the provisions.  What does Gib see that you don't?  It is completely unreasonable that the crew shows up and works on the boat to get it seaworthy.  I have been involved in both situations with regard to ready and not ready.

I understand that if we all arrive on a planned date and the wx changes drastically then we sit and wait.  I have not done the research yet about a 4/20 departure and can't make a decision for planning yet.

I in no way want to volunteer to do all the cooking.  That turns into too much pressure if the conditions are rough.  I am willing to cook some meals and have a lot to offer in that area provided there is an equipped galley.  For the '07 Transpac I did not work the galley.  With this much lead time it would be easy for the delivery crew to create an exact provision/meal spreadsheet.  I recommend this detail be handled in advance.  For the record, MRE's and freeze-dried Mt House are fantastic.  These should be relied on for the beginning and end of the passage.  These (2) geographic areas will most likely be the roughest.  Out of HI it will take 2-3 days to acclimate and not much happens in the galley.  But, most of all expect big seas and cold temps the closer we get to CA.  If we are forced north by the high then it will be a cold run down the coast.  Hot MRE's are great, easy and no clean-up.

My health is up to par and my eyesight, night & day, is excellent.  I have no problem being the eyes at night when needed.  Night vision and image-stabilized binoculars would be appreciated.  Also, everyone needs to be up to speed on interpreting light patterns at night.  The daytime is not so much an issue. 

Please read up on whale migration patterns and characteristics.  HI is littered with these swimming rudder-removers.  There is a heavy migration along the CA coast and when they are spotted it is more avoidance than sight-seeing. 

I want to run it by you first before I contact Gib but I want to ask for flights.  I have done enough of this and everyone on the crew should at least get flights as that is in the buy-in budget.  I could not make the '07 delivery and the captain and I knew each other thru common boats we had been on as well as other sailors.  He offered provisions and flights.  Please get back to me on this. 

A general cleaning upon arrival is expected.

I am aware that there is no auto-pilot and that becomes difficult at night in rough conditions when you need to read the instruments and balance those to the compass.  A skeleton crew makes this tiring and I have no problem if Gib springs for an auto-pilot.  I have seen all of them fail, except a Monitor wind-vane, and I expect it to not work all time. 

I have no problem with kites but do not want to fly one on this boat with only 4 crew.  It basically takes about 6 to do it safely in easy conditions.  If it goes bad it takes 8. 

The closer we get I will want a spreadsheet inventory of what's on board including a sail inventory and what is available for us to use.  Keep this in mind: the boat will be race-ready-stripped to reduce weight for the Transpac.  And, there hopefully will be (3) kites forward in storage.  It will be easy enough to move them aft if needed.

Dave 

See below...
Bill,

I was able to open your resume but not Mark's; damaged file or whatever and just chalk it up to e/m gremlin's.

I will try again.  Gib had trouble viewing it also.

The boat should be 100% ready when the crew arrives and the only punch list item should be the provisions.  What does Gib see that you don't?  It is completely unreasonable that the crew shows up and works on the boat to get it seaworthy.  I have been involved in both situations with regard to ready and not ready.

I agree.  Gib sent me a nine-page punch list they are working on.  Many of the items are complete.  I hope to sent a provisions list to one of the local grocery stores and have them pull everything for us.  That has worked well for me in the past.  They've never charged me extra for the service.

I understand that if we all arrive on a planned date and the wx changes drastically then we sit and wait.  I have not done the research yet about a 4/20 departure and can't make a decision for planning yet.

I've started looking at pilot charts and World Cruising routes, and talking with Gib and Mark Maglin.  We'll all agree on a date before we buy airline tickets.
 
I in no way want to volunteer to do all the cooking.  That turns into too much pressure if the conditions are rough.  I am willing to cook some meals and have a lot to offer in that area provided there is an equipped galley.  For the '07 Transpac I did not work the galley.  With this much lead time it would be easy for the delivery crew to create an exact provision/meal spreadsheet.  I recommend this detail be handled in advance.  For the record, MRE's and freeze-dried Mt House are fantastic.  These should be relied on for the beginning and end of the passage.  These (2) geographic areas will most likely be the roughest.  Out of HI it will take 2-3 days to acclimate and not much happens in the galley.  But, most of all expect big seas and cold temps the closer we get to CA.  If we are forced north by the high then it will be a cold run down the coast.  Hot MRE's are great, easy and no clean-up.

I didn't think you had volunteered for that, but I wasn't sure from your email.  I think MREs are a great idea.  We could probably get them much more cheaply on the mainland and take as many as possible.
 
My health is up to par and my eyesight, night & day, is excellent.  I have no problem being the eyes at night when needed.  Night vision and image-stabilized binoculars would be appreciated.  Also, everyone needs to be up to speed on interpreting light patterns at night.  The daytime is not so much an issue. 

Please read up on whale migration patterns and characteristics.  HI is littered with these swimming rudder-removers.  There is a heavy migration along the CA coast and when they are spotted it is more avoidance than sight-seeing. 

Will do!  I believe the boat has an emergency rudder (not just tiller).  He mentions an "emergency rudder track" in the punch list.
 
I want to run it by you first before I contact Gib but I want to ask for flights.  I have done enough of this and everyone on the crew should at least get flights as that is in the buy-in budget.  I could not make the '07 delivery and the captain and I knew each other thru common boats we had been on as well as other sailors.  He offered provisions and flights.  Please get back to me on this. 

I understand the delivery provisions are included in the budget.  It never hurts to ask.  All he can say is no. 
A general cleaning upon arrival is expected.

I am aware that there is no auto-pilot and that becomes difficult at night in rough conditions when you need to read the instruments and balance those to the compass.  A skeleton crew makes this tiring and I have no problem if Gib springs for an auto-pilot.  I have seen all of them fail, except a Monitor wind-vane, and I expect it to not work all time. 

Gib has an autopilot, but it hasn't been on the boat in 4 1/2 years.  I asked that it be reinstalled if it's not too much work.  It would be good if we have someone down with seasickness, etc.  I also have absolutely no doubt it would crap out.  :-)  The last delivery I did had dual over-sized, redundant autopilots and they both quit working. 
 
I have no problem with kites but do not want to fly one on this boat with only 4 crew.  It basically takes about 6 to do it safely in easy conditions.  If it goes bad it takes 8. 

I definitely agree.
 
The closer we get I will want a spreadsheet inventory of what's on board including a sail inventory and what is available for us to use.  Keep this in mind: the boat will be race-ready-stripped to reduce weight for the Transpac.  And, there hopefully will be (3) kites forward in storage.  It will be easy enough to move them aft if needed.

 Agree.

Dave 

12/3/10
Cliff,

I am in the planning stage to crew an sc50 from Waikiki to Long Beach about 4/20 with 4 guys.

I have read many books about everything related to sailing, wind and water and need some suggestions from you about this particular passage.  You are one of the only sailor's that I have spoken to that related how rough that run can be.

Do you have any books you could recommend to me regarding this particular run and its specific geographic area?

Dave 

12/5/10

Hi Dave:  The only book I know of would be Jimmy Cornell’s World Cruising Routes. I have questions, and know of others who question, Cornell’s suggestions for other parts of the world, but what he says about the Hawaii to California route squares with PACCUP lore and my PACCUP experience.  That is later in the year of course, but the principles appear to be the same. See his route “PN33 Hawaii to California”, which is applicable to anywhere from San Diego and San Francisco, and he addresses April/May conditions.
 
I put your bean bag in a black plastic leaf bag and tucked it into my dingy on the “back porch”, so you can pick it up at your leisure.  Just lift the green cover at the stern of the dingy and you can reach it. If anyone questions you, I left a tag with your name on the bag.
 
I hope you have a good trip!
 
Cliff

Sunday, November 28, 2010

5) TransPac 2011 delivery e/m's 3

Gib,

Thanks for the doc with the project list.  I appreciate knowing about the nuts and bolts.

Please excuse brevity but I have a few items that I need to address:

Delivery

I responded to Bill and attached a resume and have not heard back yet.  I am still interested in the delivery but if I am too late I understand.  I need to know before 12/11 as I have a meeting on that day to either move forward or not on a late-winter Caribbean bare-boat charter and the delivery affects that.  Also, I need to block time in my work schedule and I usually do it up to 6 months in advance.

Rudder 

The last time I saw the emergency rudder put in place at Seal Beach it was not entirely functional.  It appeared that the blade hit the sugar-scoop and could not make its full range of movement.  I saw in the list that there is an item to lower the rudder track.  Does that address the issue?  I as well as most offshore guys need to pay close attention to the missing rudder issue. 

Spin gear

I favor Tylaska fittings for the spin gear.  Obviously, sized for the boat and gear but always prefer at least the size our fingers fit thru to eliminate the need to fish for a fid in the dark on a pitching deck.

Without fail I see the regular shackles letting go.  It just happened to us on the last Baja Ha-ha awhile flying a kite.

Dave  


Howdy Dammitdave,

Thank you for your note.
 

To your questions:

I have asked Bill to contact you & that you should be told if the crew is full or there is space. Also, we need good communications between all of us starting now.

The emergency rudder now works great . We moved the track so it slides in nicely.  Built a new tiller exclusively for the e-rudder.  Both have a quick to get to secure housing next to the engine & my bunk.  On that topic, there is a new emergency tiller for the rudderpost as well.

Agreed, Tylaska is king at the bow.

Thanks for you comments.  I am forwarding to he others so they are a part.

Aloha,

     gib



Dave,

I got an email from Gib.  There seems to be some confusion about whether you're doing the delivery.  Did you receive my Nov 14th email?  In short, it said welcome aboard, etc.  In case I wasn't clear enough, I'm definitely looking forward to having you aboard for the delivery.

Please confirm that you received this email.  I will follow up with a call to discuss the trip.


Regards,

Bill Riner
11/29/10
Bill,

Yes, I did get that e/m and the confusion is on my part.  After sending a resume I always sit and wait for the confirmation.  Yes, I would like to do the delivery.

Now for the details.  I know the planned 4/20 departure but now need the dates prior for prep. 

My last ride in Oct left a lot to be desired in the galley department and I am more than willing to assist in setting it up.  For the record, I can cook well in a limited galley and I am willing to cook.  I, like most others, can't cook in a washing machine and prefer to have meals cooked and cleaned before the sun goes down; I've given up on special meals for sailing (those guys that try to outdo themselves with something you would never attempt at home); I think it is best to stick to your regular diet and gently stray from that; I don't want to be in charge of the galley and all the cooking unless I am the only cook and we'll starve if I don't step up.

What are the qualifications of the captain and crew?
What experience does each individual have with long-distance?
sleds?
warm/cold weather?
N. Calif wind/wave conditions?
HI wind/wave conditions?
special skills?
eyesight?
medical?
etc.?

I've seen a lot and figure it is best to get it out there at the beginning.  Feel free to ask me anything because I prefer no surprises 1k miles offshore.

I am going to assume that you are a paid delivery captain and there is allowance for crew.  What are the terms and conditions?  I can fly direct San Jose/Honolulu or out of SF.  I will also fly out of Long Beach to SJ.

We all give up something when we do these runs and I will be exiting Long Beach as soon as I can to get back to work.  I will be leaving several projects open at that time.  What is expected of the crew in Long Beach after arrival?

Dave 

Hey, no problem.  I've heard good things about you and look forward to having you on board! 

The plan is to arrive in Honolulu on April 16th and leave ASAP--ideally by the 20th, but Gib thinks that's probably not realistic.  Of course we all have limited time off, so I hope to minimize the time.

You are more than welcome to take charge of the galley.  Are you saying you want to do all the cooking?  I have started putting a provisions list together.  I like simple also!  Usually fruit and cereal for breakfast, maybe sandwiches for lunch, and a hot dinner.

I've attached my resume and Mark Svenson's.  We both have quite a bit of experience.  Mark is one of the best I've sailed with.  We're both 50-ton Masters.  I've done the Caribbean 1500, Caribbean 600 with Mark on a Macgregor 65.  Our friend's old M65 took line honors in this year's C1500.  We also sailed together as delivery crew/watch captains on a custom 100' luxury yacht from Tortola to Bermuda to NYC.

I have been navigator and watch captain on the St. Pete to Isla Mujeres race.  Also watch captain on the Chicago Mac.  I have not raced on the west coast or Hawaii.  I have sailed out of San Fran and San Diego and have an appreciation for west coast sailing conditions.  It will be good to have your experience onboard.  I have raced in fairly severe weather (continuous 55 knot winds and 20 foot seas).  The only sled experience I've have had is doing the C1500 and C600 on a M65.

My health is very good.  I'm 49.  Mark is younger.  My night vision isn't quite as good as it used to be, but still good.  I am fit have been working out at the YMCA to get in better shape.

Gib is giving me a discount on the race contribution to cover my expenses for the delivery, so I'm not really being paid.  I'm paying like everyone else.  You will need to cover your flight to the boat.  Provisions for the delivery will come out of the budget.

Gib has asked that the delivery crew get the boat cleaned up after the delivery and make a punch list of problems with the boat during the delivery.

There is no autopilot which concerns me with just four of us.  Gib said he would consider installing one.  He has asked that we not fly a chute shorthanded.  I'm assuming it'll be mostly upwind anyway.  We will sail north until we start getting westerlies.  It all depends on the high, of course.

I'm a mechanical/aerospace engineer and I have lots of experience with computers and programming.  One of my strong points is navigation and routing.  Gib is shipping me a laptop so I can get up to speed on Navigator.  I made a 96 and 100, respectively, on the navigation and chartwork parts of my captains test.  My test proctor had never had anyone make above 90 on either in about 20 years of giving the test.

I'm current on CPR and took a Wilderness First Aid class.  I have a couple of friends who are MDs that I can call if we have medical issues.  I've take a Safety at Sea course and practiced deploying liferafts a couple of times.  I do not have much experience with SSB, so I'm trying to come up to speed on that.  I think I'm very easy to get along with.  I always end up making friends with the people I race with.  I usually race with someone as crew once or twice and then move up to watch captain.  Feel free to call any of my references.
I will give you a call soon so we can discuss things in more detail.  Let me know if you have any other questions.

Regards,

Bill


Friday, November 12, 2010

4) TransPac 2011 delivery e/m's 2

Gib,

I am interested in the delivery to Long Beach.  Please keep me in mind and forward my info to the delivery crew if it is OK with you.

Thanks. 

Dave,

That would be good as we could have three of you guys going round trip.  You guys will be more one with the ship than me by the time we start the race.  Bill is the delivery skipper & then the navigator for the race.  Bill, meet Dave & Dave meet Bill.

Aloha,
   gib

11/14/10
Hi David,

Welcome aboard!  It will be nice to have someone aboard who's familiar
with the boat.  Our tentative date to leave Honolulu is April 20th.
Mark Svenson is a friend of mine who's also going.  He's a good guy and
great sailor.  There will be a total of four of us.  I have a friend
from from Chicago who wants to go, but hasn't committed.  I've done
the Mac with him several times.

Would you fill me in on your sailing experience?  I know you've done
the Transpac and will be going with us next year.

Regards,

Bill

Bill,


I attached a resume. 


I have 19k+ offshore miles and only 800 of it on multi-hulls.  Yes, I am very familiar with Chasch Mer in all positions and for the '07 TP I shared fore-deck.


I have not done the HI to CA route and for some crazy reason I want to do it and this looks to be a good opp. 

11/27/10

Hey Guys,
Attached is my draft schedule of events & what needs to be done before the
race gets under way.  Please take a look and give me your thoughts.


Chasch Mer

Transpac ‘11 Schedule

(DRAFT #3)

  1. Organize electronics.                                     Contact                                              
-          Display cover guards              1/11     Josie
-          GPS                                         1/11                                                    
-      Ray Marine system                 12/10   James                                      
-      Laptop (weather & routing)    4/11     Bill                                         
-      Calibrate all instruments         4/11     Bill                                         
-          Check radios                           11/10   James                                                  
-          Stereo Speakers                                   Done                                                  
-          Clean up all wiring                  1/11     Eric                 
-          Replace Mast Repeaters          1/11     Russell  (to Raymarine 12/15)                         

  1. Deck Gear
-          Rebuild spin poles                   3/11     Gib                             
-          Rebuild whisker pole                          Gib                                                     
 Inboard fitting                                    11/10   Wayne                                                
-          Replace forward hatch            3/1o     Gib/Dick                                            
                  (LEWMAR 70)
-         Order  vice cleat                                  Done                                                  
-     Repaint toe rail                        3/11     Gib                 
-     Re-bed stanchion & supports  3/11     Gib                             
-         New Jib Lead blocks/cars (4)              Complete                                            
-     2 spinnaker winches                3/11     Consider                                 
                  (LEWMAR 50)                      
-         Deck glass & paint touchup    4/11     Teoni
-         Consider larger 52” wheel
 With 2.25”  Bore,
 Yacht Specialties                                Complete        
-          Boarding ladder                                  Complete
-          Mast boot                                            Complete                                            
-          Review Stoppers                                 Ron U.                                                           
                  -     Preventer                                             Ron U.                       
                  -     Marlin spike at mast                            Gib                 
                  -     Knife at mast                                      Bill                             
                  -     Knife at binnacle                                 Bill                             
                  -     Organize roller furler                           Ron U./Gib/Y. Eric-Complete
                  -     Main traveler cam cleats                     Ron U.
                  -     Netting at fore-deck                             Gib
                  -     Spin change sheet and tack line
                        with shackle                                        Ron U.                       
-          Replace Main Sheet                            Gib
-          Order New Main Sheet System          Gib
                  -     Main halyard 7/16”                             Gib
                  -     Foot blocks with locks                        Gib                                         
-         New mainsheet 5/16”                          Ron U.-Complete                               
                  -     New jib sheets                                     Done.                         
                  -     New spinnaker sheets and guys          Done.                                     
                  -     New light air spin sheet(s)                  Complete                                
                  -     Baggy wrinkles                                   Dave/?                        
                  -     Note: 2 Small forward hatches leak    Gib                             
                  -     Rebuild all winches                             Wayne
                  -     Refit Starboard forepeak rope bar      Complete
                  -     Repaint “training deck”                      Teoni
                  -     Repaint (tan) deck gel coat                 Teoni
                  -     Touch up white gel coat                      Gib
                  -     Clean decks cabin sides & cockpit then protect         Gib
-          Clean topsides and protect    
-          Rebuild small opening port hinges      Gib
-          New foreguy system (line & blocks)  Gib
-          EPIRB                                                Gib
-          2nd foreguy system for 2 pole jybes? Gib
                             
  1. Sails
-     New #105%, blade &/or spin  2/11    Gib                             
-          New Main                               1/11                                                    
                                                     
-        Review all kites & headsails                                                                          
 for condition                           2/11     Gib                                                     
-          Binnacle pocket                      2/11     Complete        
-          Rebuild delivery main             2/11                                                    
                  -     A-Sails VS  symmetrical kites?                                                          
           
  1. Canvas Work
-          Rebuild Dodger                                  Josie Complete           
-          Personal storage compartments           Gib-Ordered/Complete
-          Swim step toiletries compartments     Complete        
-          Wheel cover                                        Josie
     
  1. Metal work
            -     Add 2 stanchion supports                   Gib-Ordered/On Island                                             
     

  1. Engine           
-          Tune up                                   3/11     Russell                        
Ø  Spares (belts, hoses, oil, etc)     3/11     Russell                        
-          Install fuel gauge                    2/11     Russell                        
-          Check out & order spare:                    Russell                                                
                                    hoses                                                                                      
                                    belts                                                                                        
                                    filters                                                                                      
                                    impellers                                                                                 
                                    fluids                                                                          
                                    jumper cables                                                                         
                                    multi-meter                                                                             
                  check & charge batteries
                  spare parts & fluids                 Russell
                             
  1. Hull & Haul out
-          Bottom job                              3/16-3/28/11               
-          Polish top sides                       4/11    
-          New Zink                                4/11  Wayne                                       
-          Check shaft, hose & packing  3/16/11                                               
-          Change rudder bearings &
      Steering cable                          3/11 Steve                                          
-          Check quadrant                       Complete
-          Replace PVC drain pipes from cock pit      Complete
-          Eliminate one, man over pole tube                  Dick
-          Transom ports (2)                                            Gib/Steve Brown
-          Move emergency rudder track                        Complete
                       
  1. Cabin
-          Cut all over head/screws                     Complete        
-          Fix entrance ladder                 4/11     Dick
-          Stop aft door scarring                         Done              
-          Fill wood plugs                                   Done
-          Reset table screws                               Gib                             
-          Paint Cabin                             4/11     TBD                           
-          Repair 1 of 3 water tanks                    complete
-          Review all water tank plumbing   1/11TBD  
-          Repair aft port bunk                            Dick-Complete
-          Remove aft cabin door                       done
-          Secure forward cabin door                 Done
-          Fix reaching strut bag                         Done
-          New/strong lea cloth system   2/11                
-          Remove V berth                                  Gib
-          Remove table                                      Gib/Ross
-          Replace stove                                      Ordered/Received

  1. Mast & Rigging
-          Tune Mast &
 review standing rigging                      Ron U.-Complete                               
-          Review running rigging                      Ron U.-Complete
-          Order new running rigging                 Gib     
-          New runners & blocks                        done               
-          New jib sheets                         5/11     Gib/Ron U.                                        
-          New spin sheets & guys          5/11     Gib     
-          Organize reefing system better           Gib/Ron U.
-          New spinnaker halyard                       Gib/Ron U.-Ordered
-          New main halyard                               Gib/Ron U.
-          New jib halyards                                 Gib-Ordered
-          New Cunningham line      3/11
-          Emergency cutters                              Complete        
-          Tylaska Fid. (red) TYUSFID
-          Boson’s Chair

  1. Organize the right crew (10)                        2/11     Gib                 
Position at drills:                            
1)      Bow                                                   Jeff                              
2)      Mast                                                  Dave
3)      Pit                               
4)      Main                                                  Gordon
5)      Starboard Trim                                               
6)      Starboard Runner & Vang                 
7)      Port Runner                                        
8)      Port Trim                                            Mark
9)      Navigator                                            Bill
10)  Driver                                                  Gib
Note: These Positions may change.
Watch systems under consideration:
Two six-hour watches during the day – 0600 to 1200, and 1200 to 1800.  Meals at watch changes.  Oldest watch does meal prep, new watch does cleanup.

Three four-hour watches at night – 1800-2200, 2200- 0200, 0200-0600.  This way the day watches are alternated, so one watch doesn’t suffer all the hot afternoon watches in the latter stages of the race. 

And, one adjustment: as the race goes on, dawn comes later and later, so the 0600-1200 watch becomes another night watch for the first one to three hours.  It’s supposed to be a day watch.  So, to adjust for our westing during the race, at approximately 1/3rd of the way, one of the two watches would stand an extra hour during the normally 4-hour 1800-2200 watch.  Then, at about 2/3rds of the way, the other watch would do the same thing.

Each time one of these longer watches is scheduled, we can adjust the CA time of the watch schedule (e.g., 0700-1300, etc.), or just adjust our watches to reflect the effective local time, and keep the watch times the same (e.g., 0600-1200, etc.).


Extra Curricular Activities:

1) Safety Officer                                
2) Medic                                 
3) Mechanic                                       
4) Electronics & Electrical                  Bill
5) Deck Hardware                 
6) Mast & Rigging
7) Sails                                               
            8) Race Admin                                   
9) Social Dictator                                Gordon

                 
11. Delivery
√    Find skipper                                        Gib-Complete            
-          Find crew                                            Gib & Bill
-          Sendoff                       April 20           Bill
-          Arrive Long Beach     5/3-5               
-          Clean (Delivery crew) May 6              Bill
-          List of projects            May 6             Bill
-          Delivery Life Raft      May 6              Eric                 

12.Administration
    1. Insurance (bids)                      3/11     Gib                                         
    2. Crew commitment                  3/11     All Crew               

    1. Race administration forms      4/11     Gib/Bill
    2. Transpac Race Seminar           TBD                     


         13.Uniforms
    1. Uniform design                       3/11     Gib                                                     
    2. Uniform bid                            3/11     Gib                             
    3. Uniform buy                           4/11     Gib                             
    4. Battle Flag                              5/11     Gib
    5. Uniform embroider                 6/11     Gib                             
    6. Uniform ship                           6/11     Gib                             

  1.  Safety
    1. Orange Coast College Safety
At Sea Seminar                                   TBD
-          US Naval Academy Safety
      At Sea Seminar                                               TBD   
-          Yacht safety inspection                      TBD
-          Last day of yacht safety
Inspection                                           TBD   
-          Safety at sea seminar
Long Beach YC Sunday                     TBD               
-          Contract for life rafts                          2/11                
-          Review and buy all flares                    3/11                Gib
      & emergency equipment  
-     Last day safety inspection                  6/21/11

  1. Sponsorship

    1. Sponsorship                                                                                                    
List of prospects                     now – 3/11      Gib                                         
    1. Sponsorship pitch                    Now – 3/11     Gib                 
    2. Sponsorship finalize agreement          3/11     Gib                 
    3. Sponsorship organize plan                  4/11     Gib                 

   

16. Pre-Race (in Long Beach)  TBD when race date is finalized

-          Meet                                                    0830               
-          Review Boat                                       ASAP             
-          Skipper, Navigator &
      Crew Meeting                                     0930   
-          Practice #1                                          0930
-          Safety Review                       
-          Practice #1                                          0930
-          Skippers Meeting                                TBD
-          Calibrate Instruments                         
-          Practice #2                                                                 
-          Practice #3                                         
-          Watch first start                                  1300
-          Provision                                            



17. Race
-          Start                                                                1300 PDT                               
-          Race                                                                1 to 12 days
-          Finish                                         +/-                            
-           

18. Party
-          TPYC Send off Party            7/2/11               5:00 PM
-          Sponsors Party                        Date TBD                  
-          Crew & Friends                      TBD.         6:00 PM Host Gib & Jackie     Dinner Party @ Alamitos Bay YC  TBD
-          Send off breakfast @ dock   TBD                9:00 AM Host Gib & Jackie
-          Arrival Party                           TBD +/-           Gib (WYC)/Sponsor  
-          Sponsor Party                                                  TBD
-          Hawaii YC Party                                            7/20/11
-          Waikiki YC Party                                           7/21/11
-          Plywood Cup Ala Moana Beach Park            7/23/11           
-          Awards Presentation                                       7/22/11
-          Kaneohe YC Party                                          7/23/11

Crew:             

            WATCH TEAM-  TBD         

            WATCH TEAM-  TBD:
                                   


ALTERNATE TEAM
                                    Bill  Riner                    
                                    (Navigator)                                            
                                   

                                    Gib Black                    
                                    (Skipper)                     
                                                                       
                                                                     

Delivery Crew:           
                                   
                                    Bill Riner                     Skipper
                       
                       

Sponsor Contacts:       TBD