The Reality is approaching fast less than two weeks now.  I have just ordered my Personal Location Beacon, which could save my life if I fall overboard. It is quite sophistcated  and will alert both Troubadour and any commercial vessels nearby, that I am in the water, allowing them to home in on my GPS postion to effect a rescue. I do not plan to put it to the test.

The Fastnet race starts of Cowes in the Isle of Wight nad Finished in Plymouth. Troubadour will not be returning to her normal berth on the Hamble, so I have booked a coach ticket from Chesterfield. before the race. The return will be tricky as we have no idea when we will finish the race in Plymouth, so its a question of wait and sea, with hope they can squeeze me in on one at short notice.

We will be operating a new watch system during the race, splitting the crew into two watches, running 3 four hour watches at night and Two six hour watched from 0800 -1400 and 1400-2000. so we will get at least good sleep during the day, however nights are always challenging.

The course to the Fastnet rock off Southern Ireland is mainly upwind, so the boat will spend a number of days punching into the weather and waves. Usually once around the lighthouse  we will pick up speed for the run home around the Scilly Isles.

More to follow

David Ogden Retired Adventure Racer