Position on 29th May at 1900, 25.09N 46.19W.
Rona and crew sailing well and in the trade wind groove.
Bread and cakes being baked every day, Skipper reports that the cake making is fantastic.
All crew over seasickness and enoying the sailing.
Water rationing is going well with 20 gallons being used each day.
Major Event
A flying fish landed on Caren's lap and obviously could not cope with the screams therefore jumped up the skippers trouser leg, apparently his screams were louder.
Rona has been cleaned top to bottom and the skipper has cleaned out all the lockers in his cabin.
Dolphins have been seen and sea birds but no whales yet.
Astro navigation is also being practised.
Due to problems with internet connections for email all position reports are being passed to Mercea via radio.
Skipper's strategy is to follow the trade winds west before heading up to Bermuda.
Best wishes
Skipper and crew of Rona 2
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Leg 2 update
Friday 29th May 2009
Position 24 11 N 43 25 W on Thurs 28 May 07.30 local time.
We have settled into a Trade wind routine. All the crew are doing very well. They don’t think they have caught up with their sleep yet and are planning to sleep for a week on arrival in Bermuda. We are running steadily westward under cruising Shute and Main. Hoping for some NE so we can turn up for Bermuda. We run under spinnaker during the day and cruising Shute at night. The crew work hard to sail Rona as fast as we can
There is a lot of sunshine and everyone’s spirits are high. All crew are fit and well and we are over halfway. We are having a grand sail and the singing is magnificent.
Best Wishes
Skipper and Crew
Position 24 11 N 43 25 W on Thurs 28 May 07.30 local time.
We have settled into a Trade wind routine. All the crew are doing very well. They don’t think they have caught up with their sleep yet and are planning to sleep for a week on arrival in Bermuda. We are running steadily westward under cruising Shute and Main. Hoping for some NE so we can turn up for Bermuda. We run under spinnaker during the day and cruising Shute at night. The crew work hard to sail Rona as fast as we can
There is a lot of sunshine and everyone’s spirits are high. All crew are fit and well and we are over halfway. We are having a grand sail and the singing is magnificent.
Best Wishes
Skipper and Crew
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Leg 2 Update
Rona II are running a 3 watch system (on watch, off watch and mother watch). Mother watch works for 24 hours, cooking, cleaning etc. The 3 watches are doing a magnificent job. They are eating far too well and the sparkling ship is still sparkling. Thanks to Leg 1 for leaving a clean ship in good order.
They have had frustrating days where they have run out of wind and wallowed in flat calm seas. But the trade winds have now filled in and they are bowling along under genoa, main, mizzen and mizzen staysail. All crew are fit and well and in very good spirits. They are working hard to make the boat sail fast. Rona II is in the groove and they are having a great sail!
They have had frustrating days where they have run out of wind and wallowed in flat calm seas. But the trade winds have now filled in and they are bowling along under genoa, main, mizzen and mizzen staysail. All crew are fit and well and in very good spirits. They are working hard to make the boat sail fast. Rona II is in the groove and they are having a great sail!
Monday, May 25, 2009
25th May Blog
Today the Skipper reports that all is well, the crew have settled well into the 3 watch system. They are eating well, are in good spirits and the ship is sparkling. They have had frustrating days with no wind after an early gale but are doing a magnificent job and are in good spirits.
They are no in the groove and hoping their long term weather strategy for the race pays off, despite some communication difficulties. They are, however, able to talk easily to the other boats.
They would also like to thank Leg 1 for leaving the boat in good order.
Rock on Rona II1
They are no in the groove and hoping their long term weather strategy for the race pays off, despite some communication difficulties. They are, however, able to talk easily to the other boats.
They would also like to thank Leg 1 for leaving the boat in good order.
Rock on Rona II1
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Leg 2 Update
Rona II are having a few difficulties with their email at the moment but have contacted the office and they are all well, enjoying the sun and after little breeze yesterday things have picked up and they are making progress.
They hope to be interviewed tomorrow on Radio Bristol at 8.45am so you may want to try and tune in via the internet.
They hope to be interviewed tomorrow on Radio Bristol at 8.45am so you may want to try and tune in via the internet.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Leg 2 Update
Crew Blog
At dawn we realised we had an illegal immigrant by the name of Phil. A flying fish had tried to get into Caren's bunk through the afterguard cabin porthole. He made a fatal error, much to Caren's relief, as the window was closed. He was buried at sea with full honours. Lions wer on deck at 4am and asked 'are Jolie Brise following us?'. The were reminded that Jolie Brise is in the same race as us and therefore heading to the same place.
The wind is fickle, 2knots of apparent wind. Everything possible is up the rigging; lightweight spinnaker, main, mizzen staysail and mizzed. Slowly heading south to hit the trade winds and then west to Bermuda.
Skipper appeared at dawn wearing cool aviators and made the comment of the day 'crew this is a boat behind us that must be Kruzenshtern'. 'No Skipper - that is the moon!!'.
Sophie/Caren/Roz/Amy/Heather/Lui/Daisy
Skippers Comment
I need more sleep! Wind only NNE1 but managing to creep south. Crew all fit and very well. Working hard....on their suntans! People revising and writing diaries and songs. Very high level of creativity in the galley. Producing excellent meals.
Great to hear of Rona II's 2nd in class yesterday but a long way to go.
Rona II is sailing well.
At dawn we realised we had an illegal immigrant by the name of Phil. A flying fish had tried to get into Caren's bunk through the afterguard cabin porthole. He made a fatal error, much to Caren's relief, as the window was closed. He was buried at sea with full honours. Lions wer on deck at 4am and asked 'are Jolie Brise following us?'. The were reminded that Jolie Brise is in the same race as us and therefore heading to the same place.
The wind is fickle, 2knots of apparent wind. Everything possible is up the rigging; lightweight spinnaker, main, mizzen staysail and mizzed. Slowly heading south to hit the trade winds and then west to Bermuda.
Skipper appeared at dawn wearing cool aviators and made the comment of the day 'crew this is a boat behind us that must be Kruzenshtern'. 'No Skipper - that is the moon!!'.
Sophie/Caren/Roz/Amy/Heather/Lui/Daisy
Skippers Comment
I need more sleep! Wind only NNE1 but managing to creep south. Crew all fit and very well. Working hard....on their suntans! People revising and writing diaries and songs. Very high level of creativity in the galley. Producing excellent meals.
Great to hear of Rona II's 2nd in class yesterday but a long way to go.
Rona II is sailing well.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Leg 2 Update
Rona II Monday 17/5/09
Position 26.49N 18.08W
Weather:- Rough seas, big waves and gale force wind through the night. Crew handled the conditions well.
19/5/09
Very hot, good winds and a moderate sea. Sailing well with the cruising chute and main up.
CREW BLOG
Managed to cross start line 2nd in class and then encountered rough seas. Rona II lived up to her crews reputation when leaving Tenerife for song and good spirits. Sailed on to dolphins and shooting starts. Happy Birthday to Kerrie (on 16/5) and Roz (18/5). Bring on Bermuda!!
MESSAGE FROM SKIPPER
Crew were magnificent in gale putting in a 3rd reef and hoisting the staysail. A great sail and everyone is fit and well. The singing is magnificent!
Best wishes - Rona II
Position 26.49N 18.08W
Weather:- Rough seas, big waves and gale force wind through the night. Crew handled the conditions well.
19/5/09
Very hot, good winds and a moderate sea. Sailing well with the cruising chute and main up.
CREW BLOG
Managed to cross start line 2nd in class and then encountered rough seas. Rona II lived up to her crews reputation when leaving Tenerife for song and good spirits. Sailed on to dolphins and shooting starts. Happy Birthday to Kerrie (on 16/5) and Roz (18/5). Bring on Bermuda!!
MESSAGE FROM SKIPPER
Crew were magnificent in gale putting in a 3rd reef and hoisting the staysail. A great sail and everyone is fit and well. The singing is magnificent!
Best wishes - Rona II
Friday, May 15, 2009
RONA II LEG 1 VOYAGE UPDATE 13
Friday 15.05.2009 09.30 hrs
Position : LAT 28 27 88 N
LONG 16 14 60 W
Weather: Cloudy, wind F5 NNE
Distance travelled 1772 nautical miles
Secured alongside Santa Cruz De Tenerife
Brief summary:
Friday 08.05.09
After crossing the finishing line, we celebrated in Rona II style…an occasion to remember…proud and very happy. We then got back in to sailing mode and sailed to Las Palmas in north east Gran Canaria, arriving at 05.50 hrs Saturday morning.
We chilled out in Gran Canaria until Monday 11.05.09 when we headed south and sailed round Gran Canaria to Puerto Mogan on the west side of Gran Canaria. The weather was hot and sunny and we had excellent views of the coast and mountains behind throughout this passage.We arrived at 19.15 hrs on Monday and stayed at this pleasant fishing harbour until Wednesday 13.05.09. We left at 08.00 hrs and had an exhilarating upwind sail to our final destination Santa Cruz De Tenerife arriving as planned at 17.00 hrs after a total of 1772 nautical miles. We celebrated our numerous achievements and experiences with an evening meal together and drinks on board Rona II.
Thursday 14.05.09
After numerous jobs in the morning including receiving and stowing Leg 2’s provisions, we had shore leave until 19.00 hrs when we enjoyed a superb Pizza meal prepared by Red Watch followed by another excellent party on Rona II - The Party Boat. We entertained many of the crew from the other boats until the early hours of Friday morning.
Friday 15.05.09
Activities day including basketball, tug of war, sailing races and an island tour.
We are now looking forward to Crew Parade at 18.00 hrs, prizegiving at 19.00 hrs
and the Crew Party at 21.00 hrs with all the crews from all the boats. This is Leg 1’s last night on Rona II and the end of a most rewarding, memorable and above all victorious experience , enjoyed by a crew which has worked and pulled together as a team from day one. Thank you Rona II and best of luck to Leg 2 .
Best wishes
Skipper, Rona II
Position : LAT 28 27 88 N
LONG 16 14 60 W
Weather: Cloudy, wind F5 NNE
Distance travelled 1772 nautical miles
Secured alongside Santa Cruz De Tenerife
Brief summary:
Friday 08.05.09
After crossing the finishing line, we celebrated in Rona II style…an occasion to remember…proud and very happy. We then got back in to sailing mode and sailed to Las Palmas in north east Gran Canaria, arriving at 05.50 hrs Saturday morning.
We chilled out in Gran Canaria until Monday 11.05.09 when we headed south and sailed round Gran Canaria to Puerto Mogan on the west side of Gran Canaria. The weather was hot and sunny and we had excellent views of the coast and mountains behind throughout this passage.We arrived at 19.15 hrs on Monday and stayed at this pleasant fishing harbour until Wednesday 13.05.09. We left at 08.00 hrs and had an exhilarating upwind sail to our final destination Santa Cruz De Tenerife arriving as planned at 17.00 hrs after a total of 1772 nautical miles. We celebrated our numerous achievements and experiences with an evening meal together and drinks on board Rona II.
Thursday 14.05.09
After numerous jobs in the morning including receiving and stowing Leg 2’s provisions, we had shore leave until 19.00 hrs when we enjoyed a superb Pizza meal prepared by Red Watch followed by another excellent party on Rona II - The Party Boat. We entertained many of the crew from the other boats until the early hours of Friday morning.
Friday 15.05.09
Activities day including basketball, tug of war, sailing races and an island tour.
We are now looking forward to Crew Parade at 18.00 hrs, prizegiving at 19.00 hrs
and the Crew Party at 21.00 hrs with all the crews from all the boats. This is Leg 1’s last night on Rona II and the end of a most rewarding, memorable and above all victorious experience , enjoyed by a crew which has worked and pulled together as a team from day one. Thank you Rona II and best of luck to Leg 2 .
Best wishes
Skipper, Rona II
Monday, May 11, 2009
RONA II LEG 1 VOYAGE UPDATE 12
Saturday 09.05.2009 11.30 hrs
Position : LAT 28 07 59 N
LONG 15 25 56 W
Weather: Sunny, wind F4 W
Distance travelled 1684 nautical miles
Secured alongside Marina De Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
Brief summary:
Friday 08.05.09
After an exciting first 700 miles of The Race with wind from F4 to F7, the wind dropped,as predicted, to F1-3 for 24 hours of very challenging light wind sailing before picking up to F4 for the last 9 hours of The Race, during which time an enthralling battle emerged for Line Honours (ie the 1st boat over the line).
After enduring several breakages including 2 snapped spinnaker guys, 1 spinnaker pole uphaul, main and mizzen kicking straps and the cruising chute tack block, we were charging towards the finishing line at 9 to 10 knots in glorious sunshine with the whole crew on the weather rail, as well as all moveable gear moved to starboard approximately 3 nm behind the German boat Peter Von Danzig after 880 nm of racing with full main, mizzen and spinnaker when the spinnaker pole end- fitting exploded.
We had room to bear away and still lay the leeward end of the line and so kept the spinnaker filling. The wind headed and Peter Von Danzig was to leeward of us and struggling to lay the line. Rona II raced over the line and although subject to confirmation took Line Honours over Peter Von Danzig who, according to our radar tracking, failed to finish.
The next boat in the fleet we think was Urania possibly 50 to 60 nm behind.
After the handicapping Time Correction Factor, it appears that Rona II was 1st in class by a long distance.
Yellow shirt award-whole crew votes everyday for crew member doing the most memorable thing that day, good or bad! Shirt remains unwashed for the whole trip.
Yellow shirt had done its purpose and was proudly hoisted on the port cross trees after the finish.
Best wishes
Skipper, Rona II
Position : LAT 28 07 59 N
LONG 15 25 56 W
Weather: Sunny, wind F4 W
Distance travelled 1684 nautical miles
Secured alongside Marina De Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
Brief summary:
Friday 08.05.09
After an exciting first 700 miles of The Race with wind from F4 to F7, the wind dropped,as predicted, to F1-3 for 24 hours of very challenging light wind sailing before picking up to F4 for the last 9 hours of The Race, during which time an enthralling battle emerged for Line Honours (ie the 1st boat over the line).
After enduring several breakages including 2 snapped spinnaker guys, 1 spinnaker pole uphaul, main and mizzen kicking straps and the cruising chute tack block, we were charging towards the finishing line at 9 to 10 knots in glorious sunshine with the whole crew on the weather rail, as well as all moveable gear moved to starboard approximately 3 nm behind the German boat Peter Von Danzig after 880 nm of racing with full main, mizzen and spinnaker when the spinnaker pole end- fitting exploded.
We had room to bear away and still lay the leeward end of the line and so kept the spinnaker filling. The wind headed and Peter Von Danzig was to leeward of us and struggling to lay the line. Rona II raced over the line and although subject to confirmation took Line Honours over Peter Von Danzig who, according to our radar tracking, failed to finish.
The next boat in the fleet we think was Urania possibly 50 to 60 nm behind.
After the handicapping Time Correction Factor, it appears that Rona II was 1st in class by a long distance.
Yellow shirt award-whole crew votes everyday for crew member doing the most memorable thing that day, good or bad! Shirt remains unwashed for the whole trip.
Yellow shirt had done its purpose and was proudly hoisted on the port cross trees after the finish.
Best wishes
Skipper, Rona II
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
RONA II LEG 1 VOYAGE UPDATE 11
Tuesday 05.05.2009 21.00 hrs
Position : LAT 36 00 96 N
LONG 013 36 15 W
Weather: Sunny, wind F5 NNE
Distance travelled 1187 nautical miles
Full main, spinnaker and mizzen.
Brief summary:
Very Happy Birthday Charlie and Colin
Good news: Rona II’s Boat Party was the only boat to feature in the Vigo newspaper including photo.
Whole crew enjoying the racing with tremendous amount of effort being put in.
Yellow shirt award-whole crew votes everyday for crew member doing the most memorable thing that day, good or bad! Shirt remains unwashed for the whole trip.
Yellow shirt on Monday went to Peter Reeves for being Peter and on Tuesday to birthday boy Charlie.
Best wishes
Skipper, Rona II
Position : LAT 36 00 96 N
LONG 013 36 15 W
Weather: Sunny, wind F5 NNE
Distance travelled 1187 nautical miles
Full main, spinnaker and mizzen.
Brief summary:
Very Happy Birthday Charlie and Colin
Good news: Rona II’s Boat Party was the only boat to feature in the Vigo newspaper including photo.
Whole crew enjoying the racing with tremendous amount of effort being put in.
Yellow shirt award-whole crew votes everyday for crew member doing the most memorable thing that day, good or bad! Shirt remains unwashed for the whole trip.
Yellow shirt on Monday went to Peter Reeves for being Peter and on Tuesday to birthday boy Charlie.
Best wishes
Skipper, Rona II
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
RONA II LEG 1 VOYAGE UPDATE 10
Monday 04.05.2009 14.30 hrs
Position : LAT 39 46 48 N
LONG 011 16 75 W
Weather: Sunny, wind F5 NE
Distance travelled 727 nautical miles
Racing at last. Full main, spinnaker and mizzen.
Brief summary:
Saturday 02.05.09: 16.00 hrs Crew Parade around Vigo town with singing, chanting and dancing. 18.30 hrs. treasure hunt for crew organized by Watch Leaders followed by shore leave till 24.00 hrs.
Sunday 03.05.09..Race Start Day
17.30 hrs Rona II started we believe 1st in class approx 10 seconds from the line at maximum speed with full main and spinnaker.
Yellow shirt award-whole crew votes everyday for crew member doing the most memorable thing that day, good or bad! Shirt remains unwashed for the whole trip.
Best wishes
Skipper, Rona II
Position : LAT 39 46 48 N
LONG 011 16 75 W
Weather: Sunny, wind F5 NE
Distance travelled 727 nautical miles
Racing at last. Full main, spinnaker and mizzen.
Brief summary:
Saturday 02.05.09: 16.00 hrs Crew Parade around Vigo town with singing, chanting and dancing. 18.30 hrs. treasure hunt for crew organized by Watch Leaders followed by shore leave till 24.00 hrs.
Sunday 03.05.09..Race Start Day
17.30 hrs Rona II started we believe 1st in class approx 10 seconds from the line at maximum speed with full main and spinnaker.
Yellow shirt award-whole crew votes everyday for crew member doing the most memorable thing that day, good or bad! Shirt remains unwashed for the whole trip.
Best wishes
Skipper, Rona II
RONA II LEG 1 VOYAGE UPDATE 9
In Vigo alongside sailing yacht Urania –Royal Netherlands Navy
Weather: Sunny
Distance travelled 727 nautical miles
Brief summary:
Thursday 30.04.09: Boat cleaned and tidied prior to delivery and stowing of large volume of food from Unilever for legs 1 and 2. Many thanks to Unilever for this.
Shore leave after dinner till 23.30 hrs followed by party on Rona II till 02.00 hrs.
Friday 01.05.09: Happy Birthday Jono and Rona II Boat Party day. The whole crew did a fantastic job preparing party food including bread baked by the crew (which happens every day to a high standard) and drinks including Sangria (Rona II recipe) and decorating the boat from stem to stern. The party started as planned at 18.00 hrs with live music by the crew. A large number of guests attended and many of them had a tour of the boat which was spic and span throughout. Urania, the yacht alongside, simultaneously had a more formal occasion on board including their Ambassador and the Mayor of Vigo. Our skipper presented the Mayor with a photo of Rona II signed by the crew, together with a loud 3 cheers from Rona II crew. The Mayor of Vigo and the skipper of Urania subsequently complemented Rona II on the high standard of the Boat Party and the conduct of the crew. The Mayor was particularly pleased to see so many young people having great fun. The Boat Party ended at 21.00 hrs as planned in time for the whole crew to attend the Tall Ships Crew Party together with all other boat crews and others involved in The Race. Plenty of food and drink was provided together with live music
until 23.00 hrs when we all returned to the boat together. The majority of the crew ended the evening at a nearby bar and were all back on board by 02.00 hrs as requested by the skipper. The end of a fantastic and successful day.
Yellow shirt award-whole crew votes everyday for crew member doing the most memorable thing that day, good or bad! Shirt remains unwashed for the whole trip.
Yellow shirt for Thursday to Morgan for an unintentional dip in the harbour and retained by Morgan on Friday.
Best wishes
Skipper, RonaII
Weather: Sunny
Distance travelled 727 nautical miles
Brief summary:
Thursday 30.04.09: Boat cleaned and tidied prior to delivery and stowing of large volume of food from Unilever for legs 1 and 2. Many thanks to Unilever for this.
Shore leave after dinner till 23.30 hrs followed by party on Rona II till 02.00 hrs.
Friday 01.05.09: Happy Birthday Jono and Rona II Boat Party day. The whole crew did a fantastic job preparing party food including bread baked by the crew (which happens every day to a high standard) and drinks including Sangria (Rona II recipe) and decorating the boat from stem to stern. The party started as planned at 18.00 hrs with live music by the crew. A large number of guests attended and many of them had a tour of the boat which was spic and span throughout. Urania, the yacht alongside, simultaneously had a more formal occasion on board including their Ambassador and the Mayor of Vigo. Our skipper presented the Mayor with a photo of Rona II signed by the crew, together with a loud 3 cheers from Rona II crew. The Mayor of Vigo and the skipper of Urania subsequently complemented Rona II on the high standard of the Boat Party and the conduct of the crew. The Mayor was particularly pleased to see so many young people having great fun. The Boat Party ended at 21.00 hrs as planned in time for the whole crew to attend the Tall Ships Crew Party together with all other boat crews and others involved in The Race. Plenty of food and drink was provided together with live music
until 23.00 hrs when we all returned to the boat together. The majority of the crew ended the evening at a nearby bar and were all back on board by 02.00 hrs as requested by the skipper. The end of a fantastic and successful day.
Yellow shirt award-whole crew votes everyday for crew member doing the most memorable thing that day, good or bad! Shirt remains unwashed for the whole trip.
Yellow shirt for Thursday to Morgan for an unintentional dip in the harbour and retained by Morgan on Friday.
Best wishes
Skipper, RonaII
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