February SITREP
Even though February in Annapolis felt like endless days of snow, sleet, and freezing temperatures, it was a busy month for this campaign with boat projects, planning, and fundraising! As I write this SITREP, with the cold rain just outside, I remain hopeful for the upcoming season after the glimpse of spring yesterday.
Below is an update as of 1 March with this campaign for the 2021 Mini Transat.
Support: Since we reached an exciting milestone this month, let’s start with the numbers. After launching the GoFundMe campaign about two and a half months ago, we have raised over $16,000 with the generous donations from 45 supporters! A huge thank you to all who have contributed so far!!! This funding will help fund a portion of the costs associated with an international racing campaign, such as logistics, sailing equipment, and administrative costs.
Mast: We started the month off strong by tackling the big project of lowering the 37’ mast safely and in a repeatable way. This consisted of building an A frame “gin pole” to lift the keel-stepped mast up four feet, out of the deck, and then lower it horizontally. The gin pole was constructed with two 17’ aluminum tubes, a block and tackle system connected to the mast, and three supporting lines to keep the system in place.
The process of lifting and lowering masts is always somewhat nerve wracking and even more so the first time with a new gin pole that is untested. With help from some U.S. Patriot Sailing team members everything went well. While we could have hired a crane, the concept of building a gin pole lowers the cost in the long run and makes this campaign more self-sufficient when repeating this event, especially when in France.
Building a gin pole to lift the mast out of the boat
Electronics: The complete re-wire of the electronics is an ongoing project, but close to being complete! Most of the time for this large project comes from planning, ordering the right parts, and preparing the space. The number of hours we spent removing old plastic wire channel with the associated goo residue was significant, but this provides a clean slate for all new wiring to ensure the sailing instruments, autopilot, running lights, radio, and charging systems run effectively over weeks at sea. Jason Tomchik of Yankee Marine (https://yankee-marine.com/) is sponsoring this program with his time on this electronics re-wire project and continues to do excellent work. Can’t wait to report back about the finished product!
Trailer: Another big project we have been preparing for is improving the boat’s trailer, which will be used for shipping Terminal Leave from Baltimore, MD to France and transporting her to the town of Lorient on the west coast. The metal frame of the trailer is solid, but the supporting bunks that hold the boat require work. This project will consist of replacing the old plywood from the support molds, and fiberglassing in new wood sections. We are hoping to show off the finished product next weekend.
The Team: Despite the fact that most of my upcoming racing will be solo, you will notice I frequently use the term “we” throughout posts. This racing takes a significant amount of support from friends and family who have agreed to take on tasks to help get me to the starting line. I am excited to introduce more team members so you can see who makes this campaign really happen.
Starting with Jane Millman, our lead shore support team member has been a part of this campaign from the very beginning. As a talented sailor and coach, Jane is currently the Basic Sail Training Director at the U.S. Naval Academy, which means she is responsible for teaching all the Plebes (1400 of them) and the Midshipmen how to sail on the Academy’s fleet of Navy 26s. She brings a unique skillset and experience to the campaign as a former Sailing Director for the Annapolis Yacht Club, Beverly Yacht Club in Massachusetts, and Davis Island Youth Sailing Foundation in Florida and ten years of experience working in the marine industry. She is currently a volunteer member of the US Sailing National Faculty, an ISSA National Board Representative, and is a US Sailing Instructor Trainer and a US Powerboating Instructor Trainer.
Jane driving Terminal Leave on an evening sail
Sponsorship: This month I initiated talks with potential sponsors, and look forward to sharing some big news soon! We continue to seek relationships with companies who share the vision of this campaign. Your introductions to potential sponsors helps and it is greatly appreciated.
The personal support U.S. Patriot Sailing provided me post deployment is what drives me to keep moving forward everyday with this campaign.
This massive undertaking requires support from those who believe in this campaign. I ask for your donations through my Go Fund Me page.
