Onward and Upward to Hawaii- First Update

July 12, 2013


Greetings from VARUNA.

We had a tough first night in trying conditions, splitting tacks with Bretwalda and Criminal Mischief. However, they were both able to get away from us as we sat in a hole (no wind) for 30 minutes.

We made over 15 sail changes Thursday evening just to keep the boat moving, and at one point we were leading everyone to the west. However, things changed.

At the 0600 roll call, we find ourselves in 5th position in our class, but just a few miles behind the leaders. The conditions up to now have not been favorable for us. However, that is beginning to change.

We are currently in our jib top and stay sail combination and with a little luck, we will have a few more knots of breeze to really launch West. Currently, we are doing 9 knots or better toward our next way point. As the wind increases and clocks aft-ward, we hope to put some extra miles on our competition.

We have had a few mishaps and we lost our instruments last night for a few hours and that cost us some distance on our competitors.

However, we are now settled in, making water, charging batteries, instruments are working and everyone is settling into their roles and routines.

Spirits are high, and everyone is focused on getting back into this race.

Cheers,
Chris
S/V VARUNA

Here are some pre race pictures of the crew and boat- everything looking ship shape...



















Good luck Varuna!