Newport to Bermuda Day 1
The day began gloriously as the sun was shining brightly and a nice wind was already pushing us as we approached a cheering Erika aboard the Arabella. We hit the start line, a massive Coast Guard ship, at exactly where we wanted to be, Cygne in perfect position a second before the gun. We got off to a great start, in clean air with a commanding position. But a great start is only the first step in this adventure. Even before the race began, we debated and discussed at agony, which course would carry us to Bermuda ahead of the crowd. The two prevailing opinions were being debated, should we go east or west? Weather patterns and the predictions for the Gulf Stream made this an agonizing decision. Ultimately, we agreed that the western approach, though much more risky, would provide us with a viable chance to be celebrating at the awards ceremony. In fact, Bobby even demanded a top three finish for his birthday present.
So off we went, South and staying to the west of the Rhumbline, while 80% of our adversaries ran to the east. The conventional wisdom at start time was that the winds of Rhode Island would carry us for only about 10 miles. Then we would be tasked with chasing after wind wherever it may be. The eastern headed boats we're presumed headed for a more sure approach. You try to figure her out, but Mother Nature has a funny way of chaning her mind. Fortunately for us, what appeared at first to be a gearing up for a long slow trip in light wind changed into a fast pace reach with sustained wind of about 15 knots, at least for those of us who chose the westernly "route" less traveled.
The conditions were ideal for the entire day, culminating with another one of Erika's amazing meals (beaf stew). We watched a perfect sunset as we polished off delicious raspberry squares. We also owe a big thanks to Janine, Faith and Grace for a vertible boatload of treats. Then we broke into our two shifts and begun the long task of crewing a sailboat in an open ocean race. We ran a Swedish Watch system alternating every 6 hours during the daylight and every four during the long cold night. But evening ended and we were treated to a sunrise only rivaled in its beauty by its setting the previous night. Winds held on and our speed was strong right up the writing of this entry. While there's a lot race ahead of us, spirits are high and no one is feeling any ocean/motion sickness.
On behalf of the rest of the crew, I want to thank all of you, friends & family, for supporting us in this endeavor. You may not all understand this obsession (as this is my first ocean race, I was a little unsure myself). But just one day into the race, I can tell you that there is nothing that compares to this experience. We'll see you all in Bermuda or when we get back to the States. Please check in again tomorrow for another update. And on a personal note, Happy Birthday Dad!
Sincerely,Joe Romanelli
Rookie
The day began gloriously as the sun was shining brightly and a nice wind was already pushing us as we approached a cheering Erika aboard the Arabella. We hit the start line, a massive Coast Guard ship, at exactly where we wanted to be, Cygne in perfect position a second before the gun. We got off to a great start, in clean air with a commanding position. But a great start is only the first step in this adventure. Even before the race began, we debated and discussed at agony, which course would carry us to Bermuda ahead of the crowd. The two prevailing opinions were being debated, should we go east or west? Weather patterns and the predictions for the Gulf Stream made this an agonizing decision. Ultimately, we agreed that the western approach, though much more risky, would provide us with a viable chance to be celebrating at the awards ceremony. In fact, Bobby even demanded a top three finish for his birthday present.
So off we went, South and staying to the west of the Rhumbline, while 80% of our adversaries ran to the east. The conventional wisdom at start time was that the winds of Rhode Island would carry us for only about 10 miles. Then we would be tasked with chasing after wind wherever it may be. The eastern headed boats we're presumed headed for a more sure approach. You try to figure her out, but Mother Nature has a funny way of chaning her mind. Fortunately for us, what appeared at first to be a gearing up for a long slow trip in light wind changed into a fast pace reach with sustained wind of about 15 knots, at least for those of us who chose the westernly "route" less traveled.
The conditions were ideal for the entire day, culminating with another one of Erika's amazing meals (beaf stew). We watched a perfect sunset as we polished off delicious raspberry squares. We also owe a big thanks to Janine, Faith and Grace for a vertible boatload of treats. Then we broke into our two shifts and begun the long task of crewing a sailboat in an open ocean race. We ran a Swedish Watch system alternating every 6 hours during the daylight and every four during the long cold night. But evening ended and we were treated to a sunrise only rivaled in its beauty by its setting the previous night. Winds held on and our speed was strong right up the writing of this entry. While there's a lot race ahead of us, spirits are high and no one is feeling any ocean/motion sickness.
On behalf of the rest of the crew, I want to thank all of you, friends & family, for supporting us in this endeavor. You may not all understand this obsession (as this is my first ocean race, I was a little unsure myself). But just one day into the race, I can tell you that there is nothing that compares to this experience. We'll see you all in Bermuda or when we get back to the States. Please check in again tomorrow for another update. And on a personal note, Happy Birthday Dad!
Sincerely,Joe Romanelli
Rookie
Copyright 2006 Cygne
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