Mini Vendee Globe Race solo in 20' boat

[Wolverine]

They'll be there again tomorrow. I'll try then.

[Wolverine]

I was able to meet with Josh and get a tour of Skookum. Josh is a very friendly young man who feels confident of his and his boat's abilities. If I didn't already know the boat is constructed on marine plywood, I would have sworn it was fiberglass. Josh's fairing skills are second to none. Josh arrived at the town dock under the power of the required electric outboard.  After traveling less than 2 miles from the marina, the batteries were at 50%.  Because of this, Josh has a gas outboard along with him until he reaches Antigua, where the races starts and finishes.  The stern carries the rudder, a self steering wind vane, and 2 stabilizing "rudders". The boat was constructed without thru-hulls, sealed ports, and using a large hatch as it's companionway. Rules allow only 1 set of sails, but a total of 7 different sails. With swept back spreaders there is no need for a back stay, however the boat is equipped with 2 adjustable dyneema stays attached at either side of the transom. Their angle will impede any attempt to tack, so they are easily removable. Their real purpose is extra support when flying the large spinnaker on down wind runs. Josh told me the race committee recently changed the rules concerning self steering. Because of this, some of the skippers removed their rudders and will rely solely on their wind vanes. The 4 1/2' keel weighs 250 pounds with another 250 pounds in a bulb attached at the bottom.  The boat's interior is basic, but it allows access to everything. Keel bolts, bilge pumps, electronics/wires, plumbing and stores.
Josh leaves tomorrow about noonish.  He'll use the gas o/b to cross the Neuse River, traverse Adams Creek to Core Creek, and into Beaufort were he'll spend the night before heading out with the tide toward Antigua on Tuesday.

edit: I failed to mention the mast is 2 pieces. One of the requirements is the boat must be able to fit into a 20' container.

You cannot view this attachment.You cannot view this attachment.You cannot view this attachment.ve included Josh's card with a CQR connecting to his site.   

[Captain Kidd]

Super cool!!!!

[Wolverine]

I've been following Josh on his quest to arrive in Antigua for the race.  Here is the latest from him.

Cruising along on SV Skookum! Unfortunately all of the weather models are showing that I will not arrive in Antigua in time for the start of the race. The lower rudder hinge is clanking and loose and giving much concern. The south Atlantic wind vane needs tightening every couple of hours. Considering diverting to Florida for safety. Sorry.

It really is too bad. Everything that I built for a working perfectly and the boat sails beautifully and seems to be tough as nails. Had 25kts gusting 35kts on the nose for the first two days in the Gulf Stream and she took it like a champ.
I wish I had been allowed to make my own hinges for the rudder. Sigh alas ces't la vie.

[Captain Kidd]

What!? How awful. He's got to be so disappointed.

Is he not able to start the race late? I mean, going around the world he has plenty of time to make up the distance.

[Wolverine]

This was posted yesterday...

Not sure what the rudder issue is?..as long as all Builders updates were followed they are bullet proof, way stronger than original design, CNC machined from solid Block and should not fail in a few days 200 miles.
so hope all is well? good luck sail safe....all the best...you still have 22 days to arrive in Antigua.

then you do not need to depart with the fleet... just cross the start line..then stay, sort the boat and leave a week later... 2nd March?

[Wolverine]

This afternoon's post...

Greetings from SV Skookum. Calm day at sea today after a solid 24hrs pounding to windward in 30kts.

Took a page from Dan Turk of Lil Bea and used my GoPro on a stick to get a shot of the rudder hinge. Despite the noise it makes it appears to be in fine shape. Tightened up various nuts on the wind vane and solved the loosening problem. The little unit steers like a champ and I've named it Chappy after Chappy Sinclair from Iron Eagle.

Made a real meal with peppers and onions and potatoes and eggs on tortillas so morale improved considerably. Decided to carry on towards Antigua and see what I can do. Thanks for all of your support. Cheers!

[Doug SC]

Thanks for keeping us posted.

[Norm L.]

It is great to hear an underway sailing problem get solved, and nice weather to allow it.

[Wolverine]

As of today, Josh has traveled 457 nautical miles in 7 days. He has another 1100+- miles to go. If he keeps this average speed, he'll reach Antigua with 4 days to spare.

[Wolverine]

Josh and Skookum have sailed 999.7 miles with 429 (straight line) miles to reach Antigua. Averaging 71.4 miles a day, he should make it there on the 16th. The race starts on the 17th.

[Norm L.]

We hope he makes it, although not rested.