Continuing.

 The repairs went really well & I realized that it is not a problem to sail on, rather than immediately to return to Ireland.

The mast is 9 feet shorter, which is stronger. The full mainsail won't fit, but double reefed it will.

The bowsprit, a pole of stainless steel with a traveller ring to haul it out, is rock solid. Photo of it under assembly: it is now done. It is much more seaworthy than the old A-frame bowsprit in that in a heavy chop this is much more suitable.



           The photo makes it look much longer than it really is. 2.5 meters long.



Skuli who made the bowsprit took the time to etch onto the tip an image of the local mountain



                                           The etching is inked over. 



Because of the shortened mast, the genoa is too big. But I have a working jib & a spare staysail, both new and never used. Need to find which sail suits better.

So - in light wind, less sail power. Motorsail more often, or be patient and wait for the wind to come up. Winds of F3/4 and up - no difference.

I've often sailed with this basic combination, or some variation of it: working jib - staysail - double reefed main - mizzen full or double reefed. I know this intimately and am very comfortable with it. 

The prospect of returning to Ireland, my original plan, left me depressed. Whereas the prospect of going to Greenland makes me happy. So that is what we will do.

I advertised for crew & found someone to join me - Frank from Austin, Texas, just off from 3 months of sailing the coasts of Nova Scotia & Newfoundland, He was with with Alastair, a Shetlander whom I met in Greenland a few years ago. Frank joined me last night & we get on very well. He plans to accompany me the whole trip. Will put up a pic of him later.

Last week Skuli took me inland to Egilstadir to be interviewed by a local paper. On my sails to Iceland & Greenland, & the storm last year. 

Rain here, contrary winds turning favourable mid afternoon. Think we will go up the coast soon. 

Teddy has been here since September. I met many great people and everyone has been so helpful. 

I bring away a very warm sweater that Jonina, Jon's wife, knitted for me over the winter. 



Comments

  1. Bruce JohnsonAugust 6, 2024 at 3:35 AM

    Nick, this plan to go on to Greenland with some crew sounds great. Wishing you all a great trip. Bruce.

    ReplyDelete

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