Currently Heartbeat IV is wintering in Catamaran Marina, whilst plans for the future are being considered.  Happy New Year.

Heartbeat IV – Inaugural Triennial Full Moon Race – British Virgin Islands

Racing under the flag of the RBYC (and RORC)  Heartbeat IV came 2^nd in the Inaugural Absolut Vodka Full Moon Race, an ~ 180 mile race around the 64 (or so) British Virgin Islands – yet another podium finish!  This race will be a triennial event and 17 boats were entered for the first edition.   The first part of the race circumnavigates Tortola and the proceeds on and round Virgin Gorda and Anegada to the East, and back to Great and Little Tobago in the West. The course is shown below.

We delivered Heartbeat to Tortola – clearing immigration in Road Town Harbour.  This was the first time any of us (apart from Paul W) had seen some of the absolute devastation wrought by Hurricane Irma (and the Maria). The pics below show the full team together in Road Town and Heartbeat IV (of course) flying her assorted battle flags.  We also show a couple of examples of boats that had been destroyed.

Leaving Road Town we went to Nanny Cay where the marina team had got the outer marina in superb condition.  Technically the Full Moon Race is  challenging and the local almanac states ‘those unfamiliar with the waters should never travel at night’ and ‘the Horsehoe Reef south of Anegada is the biggest boat cemetery in the Lesser Antilles’.  Heartened by this and with ~ 40 waypoints we had three navigators cross-checking each other, particularly as we could hear waves breaking on the island shores throughout most of the race. The Heartbeat IV team was made up of seasoned Burnham, EAORA and RBYC sailors who have sailed together for years (Dani Southey, Nicola Paterson, Paul Wood [current EAORA chair], Paul Blande, Sarah Gazzard and John Hounsell).

The first part of the race, circumnavigating Tortola was a gentle sail, with winds dropping off as we went from East to West, and then picking up substantially as we rounded the Western tip and sailed East, by Deadman’s Chest the light had gone and we had a very heavy 25k+ Easterly  with driving rain beating up along the southern islands before turning North for Anegada.  It was like a warmer version of a wet and windy April North Sea crossing, with double reefed man balanced with #3.  This lasted for ~ 8 hours by which time many competitors had retired.  Having rounded Anegada and stood off the Horseshoe Reef the rest of the race was pretty idyllic Caribbean sailing, as shown in a couple of pictures below.  In particular we saw the Full Moon, captured as a tiny dot in the background in the first two images:

We had no idea how many competitors were still on the racetrack or where thet were so were delighted to find on finishing that we were placed 2^nd in the CSA Racing Division, behind a race optimised Swan 45, with a young fit team (no offence to the crew of Heartbeat IV!).  It was billed as ‘One Brilliant Night’ – and it was.

To all of us, what was most striking was the amount of hurricane damage that exists. The number of sunk boats, damaged properties and cars is amazing and had not really been conveyed by the media. The BVI Spring Regatta Team and the Nanny Cay Marina Team had done a phenomenal job in being able to get the Regatta together, and we felt pleased that Heartbeat had supported their efforts. Part of the HB the team volunteered to assist with beach clean ups and this was much appreciated.  We also met the Royal BVI Yacht Club team who had lost all their cadet fleet dinghies in the hurricane. They have organised a ‘donate a boat part’ to support the cadets, who are children from all backgrounds across the Island.  It would be nice if RBYC members felt they could contribute, and the link is here: https://www.royalbviyc.org/.

This was another fantastic trip and we all felt privileged to have been there, to have supported what will become another classic long distance race, and to meet the resilient BV Islanders.  We will all be back.

In the next few days most of the team will be arriving in Antigua to pick up Heartbeat IV from Catamaran Marina and take her to Tortola.  This is for the British Virgin Islands Spring Regatta but mainly the Round Tortola Race after which we will then go on complete the inaugural triennial Full Moon Race.  The Full Moon Race. Heartbeat will  be based at   Nanny Cay, on the south side of Tortola. Paul, Jason and Judy arrive in Antigua on March 21st, followed shortly thereafter by John and Dani and Nic.  Heartbeat IV will sail to Tortola on or about 24th in time for the Full Moon Race in Tortola, where we’ll meet Paul B and Sarah.  Here are a few pictures (courtesy of PB) of HBIV getting ready for her next adventure.

HB IV getting ready for the FMR

Read to lift

Bit of work need to be done

Once she’s back in the water we’ll be getting Heartbeat as race fit as we can, so that we can be prepared for the newest Caribbean long distance race.  The course and diagrammatic representation are shown below.

Full Moon Race Course

An intrepid crew left Bermuda at the end of the hurricane season (late November) to take Heartbeat IV from her secure mooring in Agar’s Passage (shown below) back towards Antigua.

Here she is nice and comfortable in Agar’s Passage, Bermuda:

View across Agar’s Passage, Bermuda

Heartbeat IV, Agar’s Passage, Bermuda 2017

Stopping only to remove a few rogue cockroaches,  the Immigration Authority of Bermuda said that Heartbeat IV was the final exiting boat after the America’s Cup.

Where’s Colin the Cockroach?

En route to Antigua via the BVI

As 2018 plans include the British Virgin Islands Spring Regatta and the Full Moon Race the route back included a visit to Nanny Cay, on the south side of Tortola.

The team were shocked by the devastation evident but also amazed at the efforts being made for recovery. Heartbeat IV was probably the first visitor after the hurricane season and would encourage all those who can to support relief efforts and participate in the Spring Regatta. Some pictures are shown below of Tortola:

After a few days in Tortola Team Heartbeat set off into the Trade Winds reaching Antigua on December 2nd.  Here she is safe and sound in her berth at Catamaran Marina, Falmouth Harbour, Antigua awaiting her next mission:

Heartbeat IV, Catamaran Marina, Falmouth Harbour, Antigua, December 2017

Also very honoured and delighted for Heartbeat IV to be awarded the Royal Burnham Yacht Club for Outstanding Achievement and the East Anglian Offshore Racing Association Star Trophy for excellence recognising the events of 2017:

EAORA Star Trophy

Perspephone Trophy

The British support team

Heartbeat IV flying her flags close to the action at the 35th America’s Cup

So, having arrived in Bermuda after the Antigua Bermuda Race  some of the team returned to the UK whilst others disappeared to Canada or stayed on the island.   We returned a couple of weeks later with the America’s Cup in full swing. We based ourselves on Heartbeat IV with Clive and Carol White, as Alistair Munro and Sylvia Hastwell had already arrived. Each day we motored out to the Cup race course and rapidly learnt the need to drop and weigh anchor at a moments notice as the course changed between races.   For those who doubted that foiling catamarans was sailing, you were wrong.  It was incredible to see these machines sailed around the courses.  The younger teams were phenomenal also.  Before this we had the fantastic spectacle of the J-Class Regatta. Doubt we will see that again in this form. Below are a few random pics and clips from some of Heartbeat IV’s time at the America’s Cup and J-Class Regatta.  Bermuda was a great place, the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club a great club. It was a real privilege to spend time at the heart of these campaigns and to have raced Heartbeat IV 1000 miles to get there. We had a ball.

The Youth Team catamarans

Co-owner viewing the racing

Close J-Class finish

Coral Beach

M/Y Skat owned by Charles Simonyi

Heartbeat IV refuelling at fuel bunker

Jonathan Corless and Grace Payne-James

Rainbow over the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club

The victorious Emirates Team New Zealand just after winning the final race – view from the Gosling’s Rum Stand

Team P-J at the Gosling’s Stand – final day of the 35th America’s Cup – we woz there

ETNZ about to set off on the final day of the 35th America’s Cup

Lily Lpwer working with LandRover BAR at the Cup Village

RBYC Trophy Room and temporary office!

M/V Boudicca en route into Hamilton

Heartbeat IV in Bermuda by John Hooper on MV Boudicca

Heartbeat IV in Bermuda by John Hooper on MV Boudicca

Night view of HB IV all flagged up

Socialising on HB IV

Mother and daughtet on HB IV

Incredibly close J-Class racing

Coming up to the mark

Seafront, Hamilton, Bermuda

View to the south east from the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club

Antigua Bermuda Race 2017

The Antigua Bermuda Race was organised by the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club in association with Antigua Sailing Week and is a new fixture in the offshore sailing calendar. It is likely to become a new ‘classic’ ocean race being 935 nautical miles as the crow flies, but in far from easy to read weather systems.  It deserves to succeed.

The inaugural race started off Fort Charlotte, Antigua at noon on Friday 12th May 2017. The term ‘eclectic’ would adequately described the diverse 21-boat fleet, ranging from classic yachts such as the 162ft Eleanora, including Volvo 70 Warrior down to smaller production boats such as Heartbeat IV, a Dufour 45e, racing under the flag of the Royal Burnham Yacht Club. The stimulus for the race was the America’s Cup but as Les Crane (Race Chairman) said “The America’s Cup in Bermuda has ignited interest in the race this year, however it is a well-known route for yachts leaving the Caribbean bound for the Eastern Seaboard of the United States as well as destinations in Europe. Our intention is that the Antigua Bermuda Race will be an annual event.” The organisers had included the Caribbean Sailing Association rating system as well as IRC and many boats (including Heartbeat) elected to race in both. Judy and others took part in a pre-Race video interview discussing the race.

A great pre-race party at historic Nelson’s Dockyard saw many East Coast and Burnham people, including Will Dallimore, Jeremy Polturak, Tony Harris, and Richard Power crewing on Swan 82 Stay Calm. Rory Munro was there (working on J- Class Shamrock) and Mark Dalton (Consultant in Emergency Medicine in Sydney, another old Anchor Cottage attendee, who had been sailing on Spirit of Bermuda).

Having taken the big decision to embark on another long-distance race, Heartbeat had to be got into race mode (having been inactive since the 2016 Caribbean 600). A hectic 5 days of preparation in Catamaran Marina, Falmouth Harbour.

This was done  with part of the Heartbeat usual crew (Judy, President of the RBYC; Jason; Nicola Paterson, round the world sailor and HB crew in EAORA, RORC and all classic races; John Hounsell, originally medical student at Anchor Cottage now Consultant in Acute Medicine and also EAORA, RORC and classic race devotee) and our latest additions (Fred Brown – of the Burnham Brown Yachting Dynasty; Robin Baggaley – Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Hong Kong – highly recommended by Rory Munro and Adam Prior; and Tristan Dorrien-Smith – highly recommended by his mum, Lucy, when we were in Antigua in February) meant that we were able to leave dock at 1100 (with Jason clearing customs and immigration at 1050).

Possibly the most stressful prep ever but ably assisted by Stan Pearson (known to many in Burnham) and his team, with flash floods on the day before the race delaying work.

It was a great relief to get on the water and get going in a light southerly breeze of 10 knots and warm Antiguan sunshine providing great conditions for the start.

It was apparent immediately that we had a fantastic team on board, and that the younger members were outstanding sailors. The entire fleet started together which provided great contrasts in size and appearance.

Conditions were great for the first day and night (although a constant 15 knots would have been nice) and 24 hours into the race all of us had passed Barbuda. The next two to three days were crucial tactically, dependent on size, speed and nature of boat. Go East or go West? Three of the fastest yachts were the furthest west of the entire fleet hoping to get the fresh breeze, but only one yacht (Warrior) managed to grab the low pressure system, leaving the rest of the fleet in their wake. The fleet tracks can be seen on YellowBrick Tracker.

Heartbeat decided early to go East to anticipate windshift and angle into Bermuda on or around day 6 or 7 as we could just about average 150 miles a day.

The perfect conditions changed into technically challenging Atlantic weather with squalls (bye-bye A2) and a complete night of electrical storms with two nights of torrential rain and ~ 25-26 knots testing us all.

These were generally followed by beautiful sunrises, interspersed with sightings of wildlife such as whales, dolphins turtles, flying fish, and tropic birds.   Always makes such trips worthwhile.

Two watches of beating were enough for us all and gave way then to very light airs. Key was to keep Heartbeat ghosting along in 2-4 knots of wind, made more testing by the unrelenting heat and we only lost way briefly on two occasions. We were able to celebrate Fred’s 23^rd birthday at sea – with a lovely packet of cheesy balls, cake, candles and balloons.

The last two days were technically demanding and encouraged by the President’s reminder of David Geaves’s quote ‘Commodore’s never retire’ the watches strove to keep Heartbeat moving.

Slowly and painfully on Friday Bermuda came into view. The wind softened and shifted, but we were determined that we were going to get in by the time limit (1200h Saturday 20^th). As we approached Bermuda we felt a change of weather and slowly and following a brilliantly placed gybe by the Watch Captain (me) we began to move towards Sea Buoy, the finish line.

The off watch came up (and as they had done before) conjured up a lovely light breeze getting us to finish just before midnight on 19^th May.   Anchoring in St George’s Harbour and consuming several litres of gin, meant that details overnight were a little fuzzy, but the following morning we were delighted that we had sailed the entire trip (1007 miles) and had been placed 4^th in CSA and 5^th in IRC, first British boat in both classes, and first amateur crewed boat.  The following morning we berthed at the Royal Bermuda YC with our East Anglian Offshore Racing Association flags proudly flying!

Stephen Murray Jrs’ American Volvo 70, Warrior finished the 2017 Antigua Bermuda Race on Tuesday 16 May 2017 just after 0830 mins ADT, taking Monohull Line Honours and setting the race record for the Antigua Bermuda Race of 3 days 20 hours 32 mins & 41secs. Warrior is operated by the non-profit US Merchant Marine Academy Foundation for the benefit of the Warrior Sailing Program which does a fantastic job helping wounded veterans to maximize their potential through the sport of sailing. After all yachts had been accounted for, and after time correction, Warrior was also the winner of both IRC and CSA.

One incident though reminded us all of the reasons that safety is such a prime concern as on 17 May the Antigua Bermuda Race Committee were informed by RCC Bermuda Radio that Les Crane’s Farr PH 56, Monterey had been abandoned after taking on water, and sank. Thankfully all crew were safe and well having transferred onto the Volvo 60, Esprit De Corps IV from Québec which was close by and also competing in the race.

The Prize Giving Ceremony was held at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club (another but older RBYC!) and once again we were able to meet up with other East Coast and Burnham regulars, including Amy Munro (doing fantastic sustainability work with LandRover BAR); Jonathan Corless (son of former RBYC Commodore, Derek) and who is currently Vice-Commodore of the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club;

and itinerant sailor Mike Champion (who has sailed on the yacht that can’t be named). For us, the icing on the cake of the race was having a) sailed all the way; b) being first British boat; c) doing it with friends who we would go anywhere with; d) another classic long-distance ocean race under our belt; e) not hitting any Bermudan reefs. The celebrations were carried out by the entire team in true Burnham style (a small glass of dry white wine spritzer and early bed).   We are very, very proud of them all and we are very proud (again) of Heartbeat IV.

Indeed the President of the Royal Burnham Yacht Club was (it appears) very pleased:

This was the most fantastic race with a really wonderful crew. The enthusiasm, skill, endurance and humour of the team and particularly the new members meant that the 8 days in (very) cramped conditions, with extreme heat, fatigue and concentration was a joy.   The way in which sailors, young and old, from Burnham and the East Coast (and Tresco and Nova Scotia/Hong Kong) are embedded in international sailing events is one that we should all be proud of.

The 2018 Antigua Bermuda Race will take place in the week following Antigua Sailing Week which runs from April 28th – May 4th.

Results Antigua Bermuda Race 2017

Place, Yacht Name, Type, Owner/Skipper, Hometown, Results, Total Points

IRC (IRC – 15 Boats) 1. Warrior (IRC), Volvo 70 modified 70, Stephen Murray, Jr. , Metairie, LA, USA – 1 ; 1 2. Avanti (IRC), Hanse 43, Jeremi Jablonski , Wilton, CT, USA – 2 ; 2 3. Freya (IRC), Swan 90s 88, Don Macpherson , Santa Monica, CA, USA – 3 ; 3 4. El Oro (IRC), Auzeppy-Brennuer 68 68, Tim Wilson , Paddington, NSW, AUS – 4 ; 4 5. Heartbeat IV (IRC), Dufour 45E 44, Jason & Judy Payne-James , Southminster, Essex, UK – 5 ; 5

CSA – Monohull (CSA – 17 Boats) 1. Warrior, Volvo 70 modified 70, Stephen Murray, Jr. , Metairie, LA, USA – 1 ; 1 2. Avanti, Hanse 43, Jeremi Jablonski , Wilton, Ct, USA – 2 ; 2 3. Freya , Swan 90 88 , Don Macpherson , Santa Monica, CA, USA – 3 ; 3 4. Heartbeat IV, Dufour 45E 44, Jason & Judy Payne-James , Southminster, Essex, UK – 4 ; 4 5. Stay Calm, Swan 82 82, Stuart Robinson , Hampshire, UK – 5 ; 5

CSA – Classic (CSA – 4 Boats) 1. El Oro (Classic), Auzeppy-Brennuer 68 68, Tim Wilson , Paddington, Aus – 1 ; 1 2. Spirit of Bermuda, Ballyhoo Schooner 87 , Michael Moreland , Hamilton, BDA – 2 ; 2 3. Mariella (Classic) , Yawl 79.5, Carlo Falcone , ANT – 3 ; 3 4. Eleonora, Gaff schooner 105.4 Peras Limited , St.Julians, MLT – 4 ; 4

CSA – Multihull (CSA – 1 Boats) 1. Allegra, Nigel Irens Catamaran 78 FastCat Ltd , Georgetown, CAY – 1 ; 1

RORC Caribbean 2017 start

Montserrat and Redonda on horizon

After trips in February and April,  little by little we’re getting there.  Heartbeat Iv has been in her berth at Catamaran Marina  since March (when Jason and Raffan brought her round from her stay at North Sound Marina - many thanks to Raquel,  Tom and the team there).  Assorted work is going on with sails and rig revamped, antifouled,  and some cosmetic work underway. Haven’t yet had a chance to think too much about the Antigua-Bermuda Race but team start arriving in Antigua on Sunday May 7th.  Team currently Judy P-J, Jason P-J,  Nic Paterson,  John Hounsell, Tristan Dorrien-Smith,  Robin Baggaley and Fred Brown. If you want to join us, let us know.   Barring any hitches (always possible when trying to prepare remotely) we start the Antigua-Bermuda Race on May 12th!!

Here’s some images of Heartbeat IV leaving North Sound and in  her current home.

Ready to go

Heartbeat IV on the move at North Sound

Splashed!

Jason & Raff on passage

North Sound to Falmouth Harbour

At home – Catamaran Marina

English Harbour

The inaugural Antigua-Bermuda Race starts on May 12th 2017.  Heartbeat IV is entered for the Race.  She has a berth reserved at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club from arrival after the race until June 30th.  She has private boat registration for the duration of the America’s Cup series and associated events.  Heartbeat IV and the team are looking forward to confirming logistics for 2017.  Many, many congratulations to Land Rover BAR for winning the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series.   Hope everyone is following the epic Vendee Globe.  Incredible racing. Alex Thomson on Hugo Boss did a fantastic job coming second despite the damaged starboard foil, but huge applause for Armel Le CleAc’h who has at last got his first in the Vendee Globe in  a spectactular manner in Banque Populaire VIII.  Gradually getting the team together for the Antigua-Bermuda Race.   HBIV goes back in the water, after fitting out on ~  February 21st and will be berthed at Catamaran Marina on the North side of Falmouth Harbour until the race.

Delighted to announce the marriage of ‘Trim’  Girvan and Claire after 21 years together.  A great celebration on 19th August with son and daughter Oliver and Eleanor superbly performing as bridesmaid and pageboy.  Some pics of Heartbeat IV team members below.  Congratulations to the Girvans!!

Tim & Claire

Judy and Grace

Dani, Mark and Nic

Dani & Grace

Heartbeat IV will be back in the water over Christmas and the New Year.  It is intended to do the RORC Caribbean 600 starting on 20th Februaruy 2017.  This will allow preparation for the 1000 mile inaugural Antigua-Bermuda Race starting on May 12th 2017.   This is planned as a feeder race for the America’s Cup in Bermuda. It is intended that Heartbeat IV will be berthed at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club from her arrival after the Antigua-Bermuda Race until June 30th,  so will be berthed within a couple of hundred metres of the AC Cup centre. The schedule for the America’s Cup in Bermuda starts on about May 26th until about June 27th.   After June 30th, it is planned for her to go to the Azores for the winter.   Anyone interested in any of this,  you know who to contact!

And here’s a picture or two of Heartbeat when she was last in Bermuda.

Entering Hamilton Harbour

Race completed

HB IV Flying her Flags – EAORA Rules

Sorted post-race

The welcoming Royal Bermuda Yacht Club

Heartbeat IV Team ready for action

….and after an exhausting but ultimately satisfying Caribbean 600 (ie we finished and didn’t like many competitors have to retire) Heartbeat IV is now safely ashore in North Sound Marina, in Parham,  Antigua.   The C600 once again enabled us to compete against a huge variety or world-class boats.  To race with boats such as Comanche, Bella Mente, Phaedo 3, and Concise 10 is really quite a surprise for a small amateur team from England’s East Coast.  With little time to prepare we weren’t anticipating any podium places, and that was one prediction we got spot on.  Before the race we met up with East Coast Rowing Record Holders – Bella Collins, Angus Collins and Olivia Bolesworth after their successes in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.  The images below give a little flavour of what was one of the most testing long-distance races we’ve done.

Record Holding Rowers

RORC Caribbean 600 Start

Overhauling Comanche

Just sailed through Concise 10

Phaedo3 in our sights

Off to Barbuda

Going back South

Rogue Wave

Approaching Redonda

Rounding Redonda

We have been unsure about future plans but now think most likely that Heartbeat IV will do Caribbean 600 in February and then the inaugural Antigua-Bermuda Race in May,  taking her to Bermuda in time for the America’s Cup.  So she’s been moved from her home for three years, Jolly Harbour to North Sound.  Sails have gone to Franklyn at A & F Sails for some TLC in Nelson’s Dockyard, English Harbour.  Assorted work will be done on her in the next few months.  So here’s a picture or two of her in her hurricane home!!

North Sound Marina

Heartbeat IV crew and travel plans getting sorted now.  Confirmed team so far is Paul B, Sarah G,  Dani S, Nic P,  Mark H, Tim, Trevor , JJPJ and JEPJ.  Said farewell to Roger and Megan T and the girls who are off back to New Zealand.  Will be much missed but hoping that Rog will fly out to Antigua.  He and Nic P are the two team members who have done all the classic offshores that HBIV has done.  Getting in swing of things by watching Rolex Sydney-Hobart start – comforting to see in this clip of the start that Comanche, Wild Oats XI, Rambler etc appear to have pretty much same running commentaries on their starts as HBIV.  And as the race unfolds doesn’t matter how big or hi-tech your boat, you have same problems as those of us  lower down the foodchain!.  Currently Comanche retired with rudder damages and then un-retired  – can you do that?  Wild Oats XI out with a ripped main and Perpetual Loyal with a broken rudder.

Heartbeat IV start of the Bermuda Race 2014

…..and here’s the link to the Notice of Race for those who want the details  – http://caribbean600.rorc.org/Table/Race-Information/.  Planning now underway with new sails on order.  Some of the team have booked their flights.  Anyone interested in doing the race let us know as we may have some spare space.

Well, start planning your flights and booking your holidays. Heartbeat IV will be doing the RORC Caribbean 600 starting in Antigua on February 22nd 2016.  Heartbeat will be prepped from February 17th so as many as possible out then!  A few pics of the 2013 one below:

The weather is quite nice and there are some other big boats

And the sailing isn’t too bad either – land ahoy!

What’s Trevor up to?

…..open to any suggestions. Work and time has been obstructive for everyone.  Heartbeat IV remains in Antigua and has done a number of charters this year.  In the meantime here are a couple of additional photos from the Bermuda Race 2014.

2014 Newport Bermuda

….and what a finish it was –  with after just over 5 days the wind filling in and a rain storm coming down and about 20 boat all within 1/2  a mile or so of each other beating towards the St David’s Lighthouse line.  The 20 or 30 miles coming  south to the East of Bermuda is superb as the blue water is so clear you can see the bottom – varying between 5 and 10 metres below.  This is quite alarming when you see the maps of wrecks around Bermuda but we were all reassured when reminded that it was probably deeper than a substantial part of UK East Coast sailing.  Despite overall ORR result being 72/96 we felt honour was satisfied when we cross-tacked 4 boats and got ahead for line honours in the last few seconds. Our total times was 120h  43 minutes  56 seconds. Not our finest result but in the light of the final 3 days was acceptable.  This was the slowest Bermuda Race for decades and over 100 of the yachts arrived on the Tuesday – a logistical nightmare for Race Officers and berthing master.  One  finished the boats travel back north and go west around the North of  the Island into Hamilton Harbour through a channel blasted in the Bermudan reef.  It takes about 2 hours get in and once in the harbour we jilled around for 1/2 h whilst other yachts were berthed and we then berthed stern to at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club.   Requests for yachts to dress overall of course meant the flying of EAORA flags, Rolex Fastnet and Middle Sea flags, ARC flags.   Hamilton and Bermuda generally were fantastic – great hospitality by the Bermudians and beautiful weather.   This was probably one of the most frustrating long-distance races because of the light airs and although huge emphasis is placed by all on the Gulf Stream, what was probably more important was having a faster, lighter boat and going for the wind.

There were many highlights of the Race and the race preparation. In particular we all want to return to New England and Long Island Sound.  We chose an ideal prep venue at Brewers Pilots Point Marina, in terms of both location and ability to do complex boat work in short time.  The ‘can-do’ attitude was very evident and we were lucky to have the support of Jeremy Maxwell at the Marina.   This, of all the races we have done, was logistically the most challenging,  in terms of distance,  entry requirements, rating requirements, last minute major work (keel removal and replacement) but once again the Heartbeat team were up to the challenge.   The start and pre-race time at Newport, Rhode Island was amazing and to be sailing in an area where so many famous yachts and events have been was overwhelming. We all had our pics taken in America’s Cup Avenue.  Pre-race fun was mainly had away from marina but the Heartbeat team made its usual mark at the crew party.

Once again we had a superb team – in no particular order (I would say that wouldn’t I) – Jude, Marcus, Roger, Nic, Sarah, Paul, Grace, Trev, Jason, Ash and John.  Couldn’t have been more fun which was balanced by a huge amount of hard work!!

Heartbeat IV is now safely back in Antigua in Jolly Harbour for the hurricane season having been delivered by Captain Chris Rundlett and crew.

A few photos below give some sense of what we got up to.  A lot more can be seen at http://jjpaynejames.smugmug.com/Boats/Newport-Bermuda-Race-2014.

Gosling's Rum Crew Party at Newport Shipyard. The crew of Heartbeat IV

Newport-Bermuda - Class 4 Race Start

Heartbeat IV start of the Bermuda Race 2014

A rival!

Considering the Gulf Stream

Where's the bloody wind?

Getting near the finish

Almost there!

Wahey! We've finished.....

Heartbeat IV in RBYC Marina at end of race

Bermuda Race Finish Party

Lovely gels

This man needs help

..but very slowly. Airs have continued to be very light predominantly easterly – rarely above 10 knots and mostly in single figures but we have continued on a variety of fetching, tight reaching and upwind to get in the right general direction. Day 4 was very gentle sailing with 1 Portuguese Man O’War seen briefly, multiple flying fish and multiple shooting stars in a very clear first half of the night. After a marathon 12 hour session Nicola completed the hand repair of the No 2 which we are saving until conditions are even lighter. For the moment we are making 6-7 knots in the right general direction under a beautiful cloudless sky. We have numerous boats around us in various directions many of which seem to choose the invisibility cloak of switching off AIS. At the moment no clear estimate of arrival as totally wind dependent and winds and forecasts not entirely in sync! A few pics showing some light showers (!) and a novel use of the West Marine Safety Bucket (as fashionable protective headware from rain modelled by the co-owner], the start, sailing along and the inevitable sky pic.

We are now in day 3 of the Race with day 4 to start at 1340h.   Has been predominantly light winds with some up to 22 knots.  Sea conditions fairly unremarkable. We have done about 450 nm.  However in that time we have seen whales, dolphins, flying fish. The dolphins have been present at night as phosphorescent torpedo-like visions around Heartbeat IV – and during the day as leaping pods.  We have had loss of three sails – A2, No 1 and No 2 – all of which have limited our light airs speed – although Chief Sail Repairer Nicola is working on a repair to the No 2. The sail damage is unfortunately going to limit the amount of catch-up we can do :(. We have loads of boats in sight and around us and our making slow and steady progress towards Bermuda. The 0400 to 0800 watch today was remarkable for a) the sight of two or three water spouts, b) the most massive range deluge any of us have seen at sea. We also had Spiderma Ash up the mast again to sort out a Code 0 problem.     Watch systems are working well and mood aboard Heartbeat IV is good – although all wishing there was more 20 knot + winds in the forecast! Food as ever excellent supplied by Commander Blande and his team. Attached are some pics of the trip so far.
Will send some more pics of le deluge later.

The never ending list of things to do continues.  Final compliance for NBSR completed (included short wave radio receive, crew training confirmation, additional liferaft rental). Bermuda immigration completion at New York Yacht Club.  Yellowbrick Tracker fitted.   Non-required gear packed and loaded onto container for delivery to Bermuda.  Anxious wait for sails and liferaft delivery.  Now battening mainsail.

John pretending to work

Jude and Nic not pretending

Marcus actually working

Not so anxious wait for Trevor, John and Ashley who turned up in time for crew party (pics on Twitter and Facebook) – surprise, surprise. Trevor apparently walked from NYC.  Will go out for training sail early evening and then quiet evening tonight despite Roger and Paul’s birthday.  Skipper’s briefing at 1700h.

Crew arrived at Brewers Pilots Point Marina on 13th June – all work done by excellent team and boat final prep started.  Jason, Judy, Grace and Nicola arrived early hours on 13th – all upgraded courtesy of assorted airlines. Marcus arrived later that day.  Previously keel has been removed and checked. On headsail hoist had foil issues so Pilots Point crane used to sort.  Jason went up the mast – a first.  By now ORR rating had been completed.  Outstanding safety requirements in hand (additional liferaft required for numbers).  Paul, Sarah, Roger and Megan arrived next day.  Left Sunday afternoon for gentle trip up to Mystic – beautiful river and ate at S & P restaurant having been given lift by George and Mary-Kay our neighbours.  Berthed in Mystic Shipyard.  Left Monday morning for 57nm trip to Newport. 10-12 knot breeze on the beam – undertook all crew training for Man Overboard, trysail and storm jib hoist.  Drogue emergency steering tested and effective.

Heartbeat IV prior to refit

Heartbeat IV in the US of A

Drogue steering trial

Heartbeat IV berthed in Newport Shipyard

Commander Blande being fattest and most unfit was thrown over the side. Recovered.  Lovely sail up to Newport Shipyard – avoiding lobster pots.   Great to round Fort Adams and go along Goat Island.  Very efficient team at Newport – excellent berth at centre of action. EAORA flags flown with pride.

Recovery

Storm sails

Mystic Shipyard

Checking foil at Pilots Point

A typical New England lighthouse

The Commander sacrifices himself

I'm just going outside, I may be sometime