Fremantle to Bali - Irene breaks her boom, heads for Carnarvon
by Bernie Kaaks on 9 May 2013
Irene - 2013 Fremantle to Bali Race and Rally Bernie Kaaks
In the 2013 Fremantle to Bali Race and Rally, the game decision by Steve Parkinson to stay at sea rather than seek shelter came unstuck today when the plucky little Catalina, which to that point had been handling the conditions very well, broke her boom. She is now just a few hours out off Carnarvon and the crew will enjoy their first comfortable night since leaving Fremantle last Saturday.
They intend to re-join the rally after the boom is repaired in Carnarvon, no doubt enjoying some camaraderie with fellow entrants from Walk on the Wild Side and The Longboat, which are already lying at anchor in Carnarvon.
Meanwhile further information has emerged regarding Walk on the Wild Side’s dismasting. Contrary to early advice, the breakage occurred before the arrival of the front. The big yacht was travelling well in about 25 knots, second only to Super Sled. In anticipation of the stronger weather coming, the crew had shortened the main to a double reef, and were down to a number four headsail, a sail combination which will cope with much higher wind speeds than they were sailing in at the time. Unfortunately, the mast breakage can probably be traced to the failure of one of the fittings.
The race fleet may not be enjoying the current weather challenge, but never the less are making excellent progress. The mid-sized yachts Circa, Steel de Breeze, Surfer Rosa, Teelia Bell and Wasabi are all sailing at seven to eight knots and holding a course direct to Bali, indicating that the wind direction has swung from the northwest to westerly.
Ahead of them, General Lee continues to exceed 10 knots to be second on the course, and second on both handicap systems. Handicap leader, with just over 800 miles to go, is Steel de
Fremantle Bali website
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