Counting Down the Hours

With TTD (time to departure) counted in days or hours rather than weeks, most boats are in a high degree of preparation.  For skippers and crews in that mode, we're going to be brief with a few last-minute items.

1.  Be sure you have closed the loop with your inspector on any open items.

2.  Plan on attending the Mandatory Skippers Meeting at SFYC Saturday July 12.  Check-in at 3.  Info at 3:30.  This will include a weather briefing, last-minute changes to the SI's (wouldn't you hate it if we move the finish line?), Finish line procedures (including how to avoid the reef) and the distribution of transponders.

3.  Yes, we have satellite transponders.  They will track you on their website for the joy of family and friends, with a time delay.  Competitor access to this information is not permitted, per NOR and SI.  Our website will post official positions and standings, which you may access.  These should get read out during "children's hour", and we are configuring a mailing list.  You may save time at the skippers meeting, leaving more time for other stuff, if you download, complete, and return the security form.

4.  The Blue Water Sailing/Mount Gay Rum Bon Voyage party at SFYC follows the Skippers meeting.  Get your tickets now! Seats are limited.  Best time to unveil that snazzy new crew shirt.  You do have snazzy crew shirts, don't you?

5.  Do not forget to have WARM stuff for the first 400 miles.  They are cold and wet.  Gloves, socks, balaclava, non-cotton garb.  Stay dry and stay warm.  This is a performance issue.

6.  Start watching the weather.  It's anyone's guess what we'll see at the start, but it's good to get in the habit.  Don't have a favorite site?  We've posted some Weather Resources. 

7.  Check your radio.  We've been doing informal radio checks, and will be doing another at 1 pm Pacific Time on Sunday, July 6.  Contact "Pacific Cup" on SSB channel 4A.  Icom 810 users note that many of these are preprogrammed with different designations.  4A-LTD may not be the same as 4A.  Be sure you are on 4146kHz, ITU channel 451.  Similarly your secondary is 4C (which may be 4D-LTD), 4417 kHz, ITU 453.  You really want these to work.

8.  Plan for a HAPPY ARRIVAL!  Check out the great events Kaneohe YC has set up for us.   A luau, awards gala, Mount Gay night, evening follies, and dining "with family" at KYC. Get your tickets now, as they will almost surely sell out.  Oh, and passports are no longer required for admission to Hawaii.  

9.  Half-way party presents are traditional.  These are often packed for crew by their sweeties.  Forward this to your sweeties and say "look at item 9."  How will they know otherwise?  Good bets are treats, clean socks, pictures, something personal and creative, or just a sweet note.

10. Many boats designate one person back home as the "postmaster" to filter mail in and out, assuming you have mail on your boat.  Most maritime mail systems are very low bandwith, and you do not want someone sending you the latest image of a kitten with a sailor hat or whatever.  Also, that same person may filter out some of your more alarming messages before they give granny a stroke, or whatever.  It's your call. DO BE SURE that whoever is sending you email can actually get through.  Many systems, such as winlink have pre-authorization procedures that can simply make unplanned comms impossible.

11.  SPARES.  Blocks, lines, fanbelts, fuel filters.  You need these things.  And get more fanbelts.