Hi all,

As you may know, Jambalaya has retired from the race, and we are now just outside Plymouth under engine having stopped in Falmouth for fuel.  

Conditions on Tuesday night were uncomfortable but not severe, although the wind was gusting over 25 knots and the sea was confused and short.  Because the boat was dropping off waves and becoming difficult to steer even with two reefs in the mainsail, the crew dropped the mainsail completely at about 1 am on Tuesday morning and some time later  the on watch noticed a large vertical tear at the second reef point.  At the time the rip was noticed, Jambalaya was sailing upwind into short waves under No 4 jib alone at over seven knots.  Inspection at first light revealed a large tear and some other points of damage to the mainsail which were assessed as unrepairable.  Although the storm trysail was rigged, it was impossible to make more than 60 degrees to the wind, and as the wind dropped, chances of making the remaining 300 miles to the Rock and back to Plymouth seemed extremely remote, and more than likely to result in a diversion to Ireland!  Although Dara really liked this idea, a collective decision was taken to retire.  

Thanks to all who have been reading the blog. I will keep adding more bits to the story as photos and videos are downloaded.   

Kite action on the Solent.  

Getting under way at Hamble Marina for training.  A tight squeeze, but handled well by the Masked Marauder.  

Some say he races RORC across the Channel in a cardboard box…….

Others say he ascends the mast in a single bound……

All we know is he eats Biryani for breakfast and blocks the heads!

The Social hub of the Hamble Marina; food is actually decent, and they have proper coffee; well sort of…  Also WiFi.  

Lunchtime at the Royal Air Force Yacht Club; Shepherd’s Pie and Bangers and Mash were had, plus a couple of PC’s.  Clancy is on the road somewhere, and Andy is out sailing Volvo 70’s in Cowes.  Nice one Andy!

The Blogger blogging…  and his boat.