(Noumea, New Caledonia, South Pacific)- Here’s a picture of happiness. Three happy J/Boat owners at
the end of a hard, on-the-wind, slog from Brisbane to Noumea in the
Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron & Cercle Nautique Caledonien "Sail
Noumea 2015" race that started on 20th June. Left to right are: Chris Morgan- J/130 RAGTIME; Stephen Everett- J/160 SALACIA; Tony Love- J/133 PATRIOT.The race started on the Thursday for the Cruising boats with the "Division Two" boats starting on the Friday and "Division One" boats starting on the Saturday with 12 starters in Div 1 & 2 and 4 starters in the Cruise Division. Brisbane to Noumea is a distance of 840nm- see their website- http://www.sailnoumea.com
Here is Chris Morgan’s report from RAGTIME:
“Ragtime had a bad start spending time on a sand bank just after dark going out of the bay whilst giving a big ship room to navigate the channel then by the time we got to the turning mark off Caloundra to head out to Noumea the wind had come in from the Southeast at 20 to 30 knots forward of beam and was to remain like that for the rest of the race.
The first night out was shocking as we were concerned that we may have some damage from the grounding and the sea was very confused with lots of water over the deck and the majority of us were sea sick. At one stage we backed right off just sailing on No 3 headsail and checking the boat over thoroughly. Early in the evening we passed two of the "Big Boys' "Alive" and the Volvo 70 "Mates for Mates" returning to Brisbane with gear failure.
By 6.00 am we had two reefs in the main. No 3 headsail and a small staysail up punching into big seas at 45 to 50 apparent at 9 to 10 knots - Great sailing and we then settled into a routine for the next four days going from one reef to two and back.
The
boat handled it very well and down below off watch it was very
comfortable and warm the only issues being that we were taking water in
through the prodder opening and chain locker. As the boat was leaning
over to port the water would not drain to the keel to be handled by the
pump so it accumulated under the nav table and we had to constantly
sponge it up at about a bucket an hour all the way.We also broke the toilet seat, the toilet door and two spokes off the wheel. Just getting wet weather gear on and of was a big exercise when the boat is at a 30 to 40 degree angle in big seas.
About a day and a half from Noumea we started the motor to charge the power up and realized that we were not getting any charge from the alternator (Water under the nav table had got to the charger box) so we ran that night in "stealth mode" to conserve power with a torch light over the compass. Very pleasant sailing without the distraction of the instruments.
As darkness fell on the fourth day we spotted "Amedee Light" which marks the entrance to the reef off Noumea and we were able to use the lap top and "Expedition" to navigate. About this time the wind picked up - Not sure to what as we had the instruments off but guess about 40 K and very shifty and heading us so we had to put in a few tacks to get lined up with the Amedee Light leads loosing about 2 hours (If only we had stayed further south on the last day we would have been in 2 hours earlier and perhaps we would not have had to give "Patriot" a bottle of "Skippers Quality Rum").
The lead lights were vey good but even with the confidence of the computer it was a bit nerve racking running in at a reef with a 750 meter entrance in the dark at 12 + knots. Once in it was a nice run following the greens down the channel to the finish just before midnight.
Upon arrival, we were meet by a large group and our "God Father" presented us with a basket of bread, Cheese, French wine and Beer. The Party was still going when the sun came up!
Ragtime's position was 8th over the line, 6th IRC, 5th ORCi, 9th PHS Time (4 days 11 hours 54 minutes)
Patriot's position was 4th over the line, 4th IRC, 3rd ORCi, 5th PHS Time ( 4 days 7 hours 25 minutes )
Salacia - Cruising. Time (Aprox 4.5 days)
Our "God Father" and the CNC were great and organized for the wheel to go off to the welders and had an electrician on the boat within hours of or arrival who replaced the charger unit and the alternator.
All boats were in the same position requiring some sort of repair but nothing was too much trouble to the CNC club members getting all our boats seaworthy again within a few days.
Now for our next challenge "Hamilton Island Race Week & the IRC Nationals" in August!!”
Here is Stephen Everett’s report from SALACIA (see their blog, too- www.salacia1.blogspot.com.au):“Day 1- Departed Raby Bay 0915 in clear skies and sunshine following a streamlined clearance from friendly Customs and Border Control staff who kindly came to the Everett residence to clear all crew for departure – what an efficient service!
Salacia, Skipper and crew left the home shores, waved onwards by family and friends on Cleveland Point. With little wind around, an excited crew hoisted the Mainsail and the journey began with motor sailing towards Moreton Island with pods of dolphins happily swimming along side to take us out to the North East Channel.
We cleared NE Marker 2 at 1400 then turned towards Noumea with another pod of speckled dolphins swimming off our bow and leading us into the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean.
Following a superb dinner of chicken and mushrooms, compliments of Di, and with crystal clear blue water beneath us, a WSW wind of 10-15 knots filling the Main and poled Jib we happily sailed into the night with a blanket of stars above us – spectacular!
Day 2- After an uneventful night at the helm for all of the shifts the happy crew gathered in the cockpit to watch the glorious sunrise of a new day over a hot, fresh coffee and a quick debrief before some headed to bed, some to shower and others on watch again. Salacia’s routine for the crew for the duration of the crossing had begun and all aboard had settled into the first 24 hours very well.
A magnificent, sparkly day in front of us with pods of dolphins welcoming us into this new day and their Pacific home.
We continued the sail rig with gusts up to 23 knots and good boat speed between 9-12 knots and variable currents after strong southerly current off the east coast.
Salacia performing beautifully - we are sailing the blue waters and no land to see! Yah!!
Day 3- The glorious break of day greets the contented crew. All had some rest during the night thanks in part to the lightening of weather conditions overnight easing to 10-15 knots and moving SSW.
This was followed by a hearty brunch of eye fillet sandwiches, with brandy and cream sauce – well Salacia is “dry” for the crossing so a little tempting taste of what we can have when we arrive in Noumea, a wee tipple or two, keeps the Skipper and crew amused and content to wait for the arrival in Noumea! Sure all the livers aboard are happy they too are enjoying a holiday of fresh air and water!?
In the midst of the female crew, busy with rags polishing the cockpit, comes excitement down below: “time to raise the Spinnaker”! All hands on deck and up she goes! A few hours later, the wind drops out again and down she comes, fun while it lasted!
Not long before the setting of the sun on another glorious day and we are thrilled by the sighting of a migrating whale to our port side as we come over the sea mount of Capel Bank, only 50 metres of water below us after over 5,000 metres of deep water…. the trawling line just may go out as we go over the Bank!
Day 4-
Finishing the 0200 shift on deck the fortunate crew hit the pillows
with the sound of rain falling on deck and the next round of crew
dealing with mild conditions and rain. Oh well, Salacia had a wash down
too!The early morning greeted crew with fluffy clouds over the far eastern horizon hiding the break of day however a low flying albatross swooped and dived over the stunning deep violet blue waves and flew alongside Salacia enjoying the company, but perhaps more the thought of catching the spectacular silver and blue flying fish coming out of the big southern swells. It was another glorious start to the day for all on board.
The southerly arrived and with it some great winds giving Salacia her task to ride the great southern swells and 15-20 knot winds. Great helming by Skipper, Ross and Ron and superb sail trimming, ensured we made great miles today – well done boys!
The swells and wind created a washing machine feel in the galley and caused some trials and tribulations, not to be outdone the galley girls proceeded with the menu of French scrambled eggs on home made toast with grilled organic bacon and oven baked, vine ripened tomatoes with balsamic vinegar … sound good enough to eat for a hungry crew?
Well Salacia thought so too! A rogue wave hit the starboard side just as the 14 or so organic eggs and half litre of cream were all whipped and ready for the pan! The bowl remained in the sink; the egg mixture flew over the entire fridge, freezer and louvered timber doors! The expletives just may have been heard in Brisbane! The helmsman got the message and lightened off the mainsail and from the remaining egg cache the mixture had to be re-done to ensure a great brunch could be enjoyed by all …. sorry to say Noumea customs we will have no eggs to pass in!! Credit where credit is due the great helmsman of the moment spent over an hour emptying fridge, freezer and cupboards for the mammoth clean up!
A stunning day finished off with Sand Crab Lasagna compliments of Cherie who is on a holiday of her own in USA! No hiccups in the galley tonight!
Day 5- Strong breezes afforded a very fast sail overnight with two sail reaching and the first sight this morning was not a whale, dolphins or an albatross but alas Beau Geste around 5 nautical miles to our port side and passing us doing at least 20 knots! What a sight…she will achieve line honours at the very least and perhaps race record, well earned and well sailed!
With only 100 nautical miles to go all crew are enthusiastic about arriving into safe harbor later this evening and passing the finishing line that has been marked on the electronic chart with a blue cocktail glass! Think the Skipper is pre warning all what may lay ahead after a dry crossing!
Around 70 nautical miles from the finish line and the Pacific Ocean gave us a taste of what it is capable of - big solid swells and 32 plus knot winds! Salacia sailed through with great helmsman ship from the Skipper, Ross & Ron …. well done boys you rose to the challenge!
Salacia and her crew sailed across the finish line at 2304 Australian Eastern Standard time and were greeted by a Zodiac with officials from Cercle Nautique Caledonien/Noumea Yacht Club. They kindly escorted us to our protected berth and we welcomed aboard the Race Officials and members of the Club who handed us a huge bag filled with French fare including but not limited to baguettes, cheeses, salamis, Bordeaux wines and French beer…what an incredible welcome at the early hours of the morning!
The entire crew sat in the cockpit hugging and congratulating each other for a fantastic passage and safe journey to calm waters and of course toasted with French beer, Australian red wine and finished off with Guatemala Ron Zacapa (for the uninitiated that is a liqueur type rum) and deemed nectar of the gods…we all agreed and had another toast and then crashed to our respective cabins for a peaceful, calm sleep!”
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