Pages

I Have a New Website

It has been a long time since I have visited this blog and it was fun to read about our first couple of years cruising. I found that it was easier to post on FaceBook and more difficult to post on both places. However, I have just started a new website about diving and snorkeling and the critters you can see.

Spiraserpula--What's That!!???

The boat’s unique name is the result of Bill’s desire to follow the time honored tradition of naming a boat after a wife, girlfriend, or daughter, with a “logical” twist (as in If A=B and B=C, Then A=C). The logic follows that If a worm is named after Gayle AND the boat is named after the worm, THEN the boat is named after Gayle. Indeed Gayle has a marine worm named after her, Spiraserpula plaiae in recognition of her discovery of the species-specific structures found in the worm’s tube. The logo shows the structures in the tube for Gayle’s worm. The tongue-twister name is often perceived as Sassparilla which we have learned to respond to. So far we have not met a boat named Sassparilla.

Monday, March 4, 2013

WE WON?????!!!!!


I thought it would be a fun, new experience to join in on the George Town Cruiser’s Regatta. Bill agreed that, since we were here, we might as well and; we signed up for both days of racing.  We had never raced before and, frankly, Spiraserpula is designed as a comfortable cruiser, not a sleek and sexy racer.  We have good-naturedly endured having her described as a floating seawall, or a 3-story condo only because those describing her as such were VERY good friends.   In spite of being assigned a large handicap, we really did not expect to place (well maybe a third) but looked forward to a couple of fun days of sailing.  Our friends from Mosey, Ken and Darla agreed to crew—they are power-boaters and also racing beginners, Darla had never been on a sailboat. 
The day of the first race, Saturday, March 2, dawned with a light breeze and overcast skies.  This was the “Around Stocking Island Race” a course of 18.6 miles starting in Elizabeth Harbor, heading out a cut at the south end of the harbor to Exuma Sound where we were to head northwest to re-enter the harbor at Conch Cut, then back to the start/finish line.  The weather forecast an increase in winds during the day with a chance of squalls.  We took down most of the enclosure to reduce drag and left our 200 ft of anchor chain with our dingy to lighten our load and keep our anchor site.

Our ship of racing greenhorns passed the start-line hoisting the Jolly Roger, threatening the committee boat with the cutlass and belaying pin, and demanding them to “surrender your rum!”  Spiraserpula ran down the harbor before the wind, easily passing one boat in our class and leaving another far behind—we started to think that maybe third place was a possibility—at least we would not be last.  We expected a more favorable wind angle as we exited the southern end of the harbor and headed into Exuma Sound for the long upwind leg—the third place seemed a possibility.   However, after rounding the southern marker, we inexplicably slowed down, barely making 6 kts when we were expecting at least high 6s if not 7 or more.  Boats in our class and the class starting after us passed us—even the one that was way behind.  One boat used a racing maneuver that our lack of experience had not prepared us for and we were a bit intimidated by it.  Bill started working the sails, catching every gust, while Ken steered—but we still barely kept up.  Our hopes for other than dead last finish were now based on regaining the obvious advantage we had on the downwind leg to the finish line.  After rounding the northern marker and re-entering Elizabeth Harbor Spiraserpula did pass one boat in our class and finished closely behind the others.  We all agreed it had been an intense and fun experience—we had forgotten to eat lunch! 

During the trip back to the anchorage, the wind picked up and we sailed back at 8 kts—go figure!!  Of course that made picking up the anchor chain and hooking it back to the boat quite exciting.  In addition to the wind, the engine water pump decided to self-destruct an impeller and Bill had to maneuver the boat with one engine.  We could not have done it without the help of Ken and Darla! 

The after race party was scheduled at 5pm at St. Francis Resort, not too far from our anchorage.   By that time the wind had picked up to 25-30kts—the expected blow had come in sooner than forecast.  There was talk over the radio about postponing the party but few people wanted to do that.  We donned our foul weather gear and headed to the party in the rain.  Luckily the way to the party was sheltered by the island so the waves were not too bad.  Ken and Darla had plans to meet with some friends who were leaving soon so they did not attend.   After drinks and some excellent chicken wings and conch fritters everyone was ready to hear the race results.  We were the last class announced and heartily cheered as the third place and second place winners were named—not us.  We silently speculated who the first place winner was but could hardly believe it when Spiraserpula was called out!!!  There were several comments, among the congratulations, about the enthusiasm with which we accepted the trophy, blue flag and cap, and… a nice bottle of rum!  I am still pinching myself as I look at the trophy sitting on the shelf.

So-----Dare to call Spiraserpula a floating seawall again!!!!!  Next race is Tuesday.

PS—We saw the race statistics today.  Spiraserpula held her own in the unadjusted times.