Ryan has managed to write us an update from the boat during its delivery to NYC... As we near the halfway point of our delivery to NYC aboard HUGO BOSS, it is readily apparent the north Atlantic in springtime is a stern test of both boat and men. We are sailing with orange sails: the smallest heavy weather headsail is orange in order to be visible in storm conditions. We are playing the low pressure systems that sweep these latitudes in order to take the most direct route to our destination. This means a lot of upwind sailing, in winds which can peak near 50 knots. The test this gives the boat can be invaluable as preparation for an around the world voyage, as weak points or frail items will fail, and can then be reinforced. The men have fared about the same, bumps and bruises, a few cuts, and general fatigue with the grey skies, relentless motion and howling wind. Just like the boat though, we come back tougher (and hopefully wiser) for the experience. After tonight we should have the strongest wind speeds behind us, with the rest of the trip involving more reaching and some opportunity to make easier miles. What cannot be overlooked is the beauty of our surroundings, majestic steel grey 25 foot waves and swirling seabirds caught in a lone ray of sunlight through the low clouds keep us in awe as we bend to the tiller, keeping our boat on track. Winning never comes easy, and our future success on the racetrack is determined by the work we put in today! If the ratio is one to one, we are going to be very successful!! Ryan, Alex, Pepe out, from a cold and foggy North Atlantic...
Posted on: Tue, 06 May 2014 09:31:53 +0000