ORCV Melbourne to Vanuatu (M2V)

It's a Wrap from Ingénue. Thai chicken, no?

Ingenue are now heading to North Queensland and some sun, fun and a chill (as in, out). Yesterday, Rosie Colahan even found time to tell a tale and so, we now have an onboard assessment of what had gone wrong with their kite, but certainly not in the galley.

"In the early hours of Wednesday morning, a lively 15kn W to NW wind sprung up and kept us moving well, as we headed towards Gabo Island. Approaching the corner at Little Rame Head, we passed to the West of the New Zealand Star Banks, which had ever-so-thoughtfully been illuminated by the blinding lights of a fishing vessel at work and were shot along by the outflow from Bass Strait", Rosie comments.

"Arriving at Gabo soon after daybreak, with following SW winds and sunshine, our rival, Slinky Malinky, was spotted charging up from behind under spinnaker and so, the challenge was on again. Up went our Yachting Port Phillip kite, as we chased them up the coast towards Eden and then Eastwards to hitch a ride on the North going eddies of the East Australian Current. By early afternoon, the wind had built to 20kn, whipping up 3-4 metre seas, making for an exhilarating, roller coaster ride. Even Ingenue (a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 40), at 9.5 tonnes, was achieving over 12 knots in the rushes!"

"At 1615hrs, we noticed that the mast end of the spinnaker pole was slowly migrating down the mast, despite it being located in the jammers and this was causing the kite to pendulum from side to side, setting off those awful death rolls. So it was a case of 'All hands on deck', and yes, that is both of us! Now as we depowered the kite, it took off, viciously wrapping itself, along with the retrieval line of its snuffing sock (a sausage like cover used to encase the sail when hoisting and lowering it), in a tight, ten-wrap stranglehold around the furled #1 headsail and subsequently, into an impossible 'wineglass'", said Rosie. (A wineglass is where part of the spinnaker [kite] has been wrapped around the forestay or itself, in a tight twist and where the top section is actually open and catching the breeze. More often than not, the lower section is also open, hence the appearance of and term used - wineglass).

"The wind was now 25knots and manouevring under sail was not possible. Down with the mainsail, on with the mighty 48hp Yanmar Diesel and a few wheelies (propellor coming out of the water) amongst the rolling waves did nothing to unwrap the mess. Having witnessed our struggle, Slinky Malinky turned back to stand by us, which was very valiant of them. Eventually, the lower end of the wineglass flogged itself so thoroughly, that it ripped sizeable horizontal tears above each clew (the bottom corners of the spinnaker) leaving the tape edges intact and a weary battle flag streaming from the top of the mast. Mark Rimington always joked that he had made the kite 'Rosie proof' and we were impressed that it took so long to give in", she said.

"Faced with the fact that our only hope of distentangling the mess was to find shelter from the building maelstrom, we planned to return to the coast 50nm away. The need to keep our new 'battle flag' flying away from the rigging and radar, significantly limited our possible destinations and parking opportunities. Twofold Bay at Eden provided the best option, with a good angle to the prevailing SW wind, a wide open entrance and the opportunity to drop anchor in the bay, without having to manouevre to tie up or avoid other vessels."

"Decision made! We turned towards Eden with that SW wind now at 25-30kn and the added bonus of a rain squall! Just terrific. The effects of wind opposing the East Aust Current, resulted in a bumpy ride and speed limited to just 3kn over the ground. We reached Twofold Bay at 0600hrs Thursday and anchored stern to the wind, in order to keep the kite flying away from the rigging until daylight, when we were able to 'wring' the kite into a tight wrap and by a process of reverse macramé, unravel it from both the furled #1 Headsail and the sock's retrieval line. We could then snuffle it into its sock, drop it to the deck and banish it to its spinnaker bag! Naughty kite!!! Time for bed."

"As we reflect on events, our disappointment at not being able to complete the race, was replaced by the relief that we were safe, with no injuries to boat or crew and the redeeming feature was that the kite probably was repairable!"

Rosie went on to say, "At the 2115 radio sched, we were overwhelmed by the heartfelt wishes from our fellow competitors, ORCV and radio relay stations. Slinky Malinky’s actions in turning back to stand by, without any request from us for assistance, exhibited true sportsmanship and was most appreciated, especially in the event that our situation had deteriorated. The prompt actions of the ORCV Race Director, Bob Tanner, in notifying police, family and others and sorting out Customs issues was also much appreciated. Now of course, Aunt Sally’s lasagne was there as the perfect comfort food to warm our bodies and our spirits, as we headed to Eden. So even the ORCV office staff are in on the culinary tests, so we are delighted that the Masterchef challenge goes on!"

"At other times and in other events, you hear of other competitors’ misfortune and you are always filled with one of those 'heartsink' emotions. When it happens to you, you will be amazed the way the yachting fraternity rallies to your support. Thank you everybody - you are amazing", Rosie finished on behalf of her and David James.

Now I think we'll make Slinky Malinky our new Seamanship poster shot and join Team Audacious (HCOTW), Gabrielle Beattie (Women in Sailing) and Patricia Laverty (FDU), as the faces of sailing. What do you think David Judge? (He's the Commodore of Slinky's home, Hobson's Bay Yacht Club.) Steb - your thoughts?

Slinky Malinky showed great seamanship and sportsmanship, turning back to see if assistance was required. Nice one, Eric Marsh and crew. Pic © Steb Fisher.

To see where the fleet are located after the latest sked, please go HERE.

By John Curnow