SFR Preparations update

Xena nearing San Fernando, 2009, which we won.
Click to enlarge.

Quick update of where we stand, with 19 days to go to the 20th April start.

Crew: all fixed over a week ago, and submitted to Alex in Sailing Office, who says: "All looking good - a very strong crew!" and indeed it is, with 66 Cat One races between us, including numerous Hobarts, Middle Sea, Fastnets, Vietnam, China Sea and Lord Howe. Crew list is here.

Scrutineering and documents: the "buddy check" done last Tuesday (29 March) with Tom Wiesinger.  Tom was with us on Xena last time around in '09, this time going with his own lovely Vega.  The Head Scrutineer is Nigel Reeves, and he will be in touch with me to do the formal scrutineering check next week.

All other documents have been submitted and are in order -- thanks to all for getting relevant docs to me so quickly.  Next step on that is the Immigration clearance on the 19th April.  Michael ("MC Dangar") and I are also doing updates of our First Aid course, so we'll be five with First Aid Certificates and no less than SEVEN with the Safety and Sea Survival Certificate.

Satellite Communicator: this is from the NZ company PredictWind.com.  It's arrived and we've been working out with Ian Mann, Boatyard Manager, where to put the various bits 'n pieces.  The idea is that we can pick up weather en route.

Tweaks and twiddles: Nigel is also working on some "go-faster" tweaks, based on the email "G" put together after the King's Cup. That, btw, was an excellent and clear summary, and for those interested, PDF of it is here.  These include: replacing tack line with one a bit thinner, lengthening the Code 0 furling line, extra Genny clew strops, jib sheet end-for-ending, etc.  We've also decided to electrify the last non-electric winch, the starboard halyard winch.  The motor is on its way from Denmark.

Safety Training: we're going to do this on the 9th April, just before doing the HKVRN Pursuit race, which is done on staggered start basis our IRC.  HKVRN Memorial Vase race details here.

Race Wash: to put Rick's mind at ease: Xena will be lifted out on 13th April for race wash and change of a couple of seacocks.  BTW: the compressor with the regulator is working well, great for Noel to go over side regularly to keep bottom tip-top!  Thanks to Ian for helping me buy that equipment before the King's Cup, it's been invaluable.

Charity Dinner: on the 15th April at the Compass Room.  I think all crew bar Gordon (still in Oz at the time) will be attending, great stuff, as this is one of the key drivers and rationales of the race.

So, all in all, we're looking in pretty good shape.  Cheers to all!

Peter

Photo below of preps last time, in April '09. This time, the moorings are rather different, with barges and tugs everywhere, as the government digs the ditches for the new tunnel and highway, one of those from here to nowhere type projects, but time will tell....

Xena in final preparations at the RHKYC, for San Fernando Race 2009.
Click to enlarge

Want to walk down memory lane?  Some photos from the 2009 Race here.