I never wrote about my Single-Handed TransPac Race finish around midnight 14/15th July - it was far too easy to enjoy being at anchor or on shore & no longer constantly on the radio (& shore Internet access was somewhat difficult) I came in around the NE of Kauai island, Hawaii, just before midnight, local time, hoping to stay on a run all the way to the line just NE of the entrance to Hanalei Bay. I was in VHF contact with the Race Cttee from well out - which gave a great feeling of arriving. The wind shifted more & more but I persevered, eventually sailing most of the last part by the lee - so much so that I kept backing the main. Taking down the pole for the genoa was going to take me too long (I was very conscious of how close 'Second Chance' was to me on corrected time, having done many calculations over the last few days!!), so I eventually furled in the genoa and pulled in the main just to get me over the finish line asap - 0022LT!! Not exactly as a purist would want, but it worked!! The 'welcome' party then came aboard with a Hawaiian lei to adorn my neck, Mai Tai, pineapple and lots of welcoming hugs & smiles. I eventually gladly started up the engine & gave over the helm to Jim of 'Haulback' (winner in 2002, 2nd in '04, who had just completed his 2 yr solo circumnavigation from Kauai) - who sounded reasonably competent to entrust it to, while I sorted out my anchor and pole! I have to admit it took them a time to get me to come down to earth (should I say water??), I was so happy to have finished!! (My distance sailed was over 2400ml- further than anyone else) I was helped to anchor temporarily overnight in a safe spot in Hanalei Bay - and then all minds were on 'Ergo' coming in with a broken forestay - Bill made it safely over the line. Wow! I was on such a 'high' I couldn't stop smiling!! Thank you, Lucie, Ben, Jim & Sylvia for making it such a lovely arrival!
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Finish of SHTP06 in Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii (Days 21&22)
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SHTP Day 21 - last one before the finish!
Friday 14th July (Bastille Day!) Interesting! Looking at yesterday's log, I could copy the beginning word for word for today! Heavy rain, strong…
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SHTP Day 20
Thursday 13th July It's turned into a beautiful sunny afternoon after a night and morning of frequent heavy rain - and GOOD winds!! Boatspeed up…
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SHTP Day 18
Tues 11th July At 0720 PDT (0420Hawaiian time) I was up on deck to adjust the steering. Beautiful, beautiful ... there was bright Venus, high above…
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