Transpac Prep

By Bob, 7/12/2007 8:04 AM

We start the Transpac Race in just a few hours! Mike is outside thrashing around and getting ready. I am typing on a computer. We have completed the major preparations. We have food enough food for about an eight-month voyage, dozens of books, hundreds of movies, and thousands of music albums. We also glanced at the boat and sails, and that seemed OK.

Actually, we've done quite a bit getting ready for the race. Here's some of our list:

• fix engine controls (I know, we can't use engines.)
• clean boat
• had sails repaired and replaced
  
• installed AIS receiver
• installed avalanche beacons
• hung signal flags
• moved ropes around
• untwisted ropes
• protected ropes
• stowed lazy bag
• moved radar reflector
• unpacked sousaphones
• fixed water pump
• put new feed pump in watermaker
• got bottom painted
• took engine off dinghy
• played sousaphones
• did laundry (or had it done)

When the boat crosses the starting line, we have to fly the Transpac flag and the number flag for our class, the nine flag.

Sometime before July 2, I ordered a number 9 flag from Flag and Banner Company. I also decided to get a new US flag. The US flag came in, but the 9 flag was back ordered so we wouldn't get it for the race. So I canceled it, ordered another from another company and had it shipped overnight to the Yacht Club here. We got it on Tuesday.

On Wednesday Mike noticed that the July 2 amendment to the official Sailing Instructions required a number zero flag. We had a number nine flag. So last night, I sewed a zero flag out of one of Mike's yellow t-shirts and a red nylon flag bag. It is quite attractive.

We were supposed to get a Transpac banner in at the skipper meeting, but they handed them out at the dinner instead. We were at the dinner, but left after dessert but before they handed out the banners. Now they're out of banners. So we will be flying a Transpac T-shirt for the start.

We got some neat devices called Life Tags by Raymarine and avalanche beacons by us. We put a small tag on our life jackets. When we fall in the ocean, it sets off an alarm and automatically marks our position on the GPS.

That way, for example, if Mike falls overboard while I'm sleeping, it will wake me up and mark his position. Then I can go ahead and catch a few more minutes shut-eye, grab some breakfast, and drink a diet coke before I turn the boat around to go pick him up.