With the Newport Bucket Regatta over and won by P2, the focus for permanent crew became finishing off the season for the owners with a cruise in Long Island Sound. New areas for the crew to see and some very fast changing weather experiences made for a memorable trip.
Obviously tired after the regatta and family trip, Jonathan lets slip for a moment and wears his cap backwards.
The pending Perini warranty period to be conducted in Newport shipyard took a lot of time in some minds as preparations were underway to have as much work done in as small an amount of time possible and some repairs of significant nature required.
With input from race and permanent crew adding to the work list, P2 was preparing for a haul out and some repairs and improvements. The tempting ‘low lying fruit’ to improve P2’s sailing ability took on some priority with the fitment of 2 new pad eyes to the fore deck for better head sail trimming. This item became a major project involving all from naval architects to the local Newport fisherman in the aim of achieving a structurally sound deck fitting. A rarely used item, these new pad eyes will be more appreciated during racing to gain the extra speed necessary where as the removal of the ‘toe breaker’ pad eyes next to the bosun locker will be appreciated on much more regular occasions and certainly reduce the need for some of the swearing associated with kicking of said items.
Yard time included a haul out and meant the P2 crew sought refuge in a house ashore. Built in 1760 the house had character, but luckily there were no disturbances from the neighbours.
Crew house neighbours
The opportunities arose for some great sight seeing in Newport with the 6 and 12 metre world championships held through August and September. Permanent crew member Sam McCarthy (GiGi) managed to secure the position of mast man on the 12 metre ‘Weatherly’. Sailing with the crew of Chippewa a 2nd place in the classic class was achieved and ever so close to 1st place taken by ‘American Eagle’ on equal points.
During sight seeing of the 6 metre event one of the yacht photographers commented on what a good looking crew those of P2 are, obviously a very keen and appreciative eye.
Eliza managed some time off with a holiday to France and the opportunity to visit her new house in Quebec. A temporary chef joined the crew and besides good food, Karen Murphy provided some great laughs with her sharp Irish humour.
In case some of you have not seen a picture here is Eliza’s house in the country:
Yard time allowed Jonathan time to visit New Zealand with Alanna and Noah giving Mike Cox the opportunity to come and enjoy the pleasure of dealing with contractors and builders to achieve the desired improvements.
P2 went back in the water and after minor set backs from the engineering department and thorough inspection of watertight integrity headed away from the haul out slip for a quick 360 in the harbour before finding a new home on the Newport shipyard northern dock.
Newport welcomed the crew to the new dock and over the following weeks turned on some horizontal rain and cold temperatures to harden us up in preparation for the sail south.
Late in the Newport period, Tracey (Zimbabwe) sprung a surprise and resigned to join a smaller yacht with a total crew of 2 where she hopes to improve her sailing knowledge. After a long time onboard P2 it was deemed necessary for Tracey to receive regular swims in her final week to make her experience more memorable.
2nd of November came round and had been chosen months before as the departure date to head South for Florida. Maurice Kurg and Dean Minardi joined regular crew including Randy Reynolds for the trip to Rybovich shipyard in West Palm Beach.
Dean models the new race uniform while Sam correctly uses his tongue to fight the fish.
With mostly Northwest through Northeast winds P2 set a great pace South. A full day with the spinnaker flying was enjoyed by all and 16.2 knots SOG was seen on the B&G.
The local navy exercising off Jacksonville provided amusement with unique radio operation, stealth movements and also some mystery until the radar target approaching at 114 knots with a CPA (closest point of approach) of 0nm was identified as a helicopter.
As on all deliveries bets are taken in a sporting fashion to pick the arrival time. And as has happened in the past speeds can be adjusted to suit ‘necessary’ tides or marina operating hours making the challenge all the more difficult for some and easier for others (the others being those that make the decisions). It is hoped a new system will be developed before the next delivery allowing the sailing and prediction of it to be more prominent in the outcome.
P2 arrived in Rybovich on November 7 and being the beginning of Tracey’s last week became the day of her 1st swim so soon after her screams of ‘7 more sleeps and I’m at home’ with the giant form of GiGi looming little struggle saw Tracey over the life lines and into the harbour. Even Eliza took joy in the great experience of pushing Tracey in and on such an opportune moment as the morning of her replacements arrival when she had put some effort into her appearance.
Tracey about to have her first swim
The Result!
Tracey sneakily tried the tactic of getting a spray tan in the hope of avoiding a swim and did put up quite a struggle, however with Eliza’s approval went in dressed and ready for a night out on the eve of her departure from the vessel. With her regular bounce she managed a quick shower and change of clothes and a night on the town. One more swim and she would be free, Tracey really should have got up very early on her last day to avoid going in still dressed in her pyjamas.
Pyjamas and all Tracey goes in for the last time
With Tracey departing a new stew was sought and an interim solution was found in the temporary employment of Paula Bushell who many will know from ‘Perseus’. Paula came down to Florida from Savannah a week prior to departure giving herself time to learn the boat and ready for the owners visit.
Once all the loose ends were tidied in Rybovich the crew happily departed for Bakers Bay on the 19th to prepare for our next owners engagement over the Thanks Giving period.
Although it is only a short trip from Florida to Bakers Bay there was still time to troll a line in the water and successfully land a Mahi that would serve the following lunch and guest’s dinner. Prepared very well as always by Eliza the fish was enjoyed by all.
Tomorrow's Lunch
Familiar faces welcomed the crew and P2 back to her berth in Bakers Bay and the Bahamas turned on the welcoming warm weather. With a short time before the owner’s arrival the crew were hard at work and only managed to sneak in a quick swim before the trip begun in the refreshing waters so a visit to ‘Nippers’ will have to wait.
Beautiful still dawn in Bakers Bay
Hoping the Thanks Giving period was very good to you all, best wishes from the permanent P2 crew.
Chief Engineer Tom Masterson.
