We were a little late to the start line, so after raising the big headsail in light airs we settled in for a reach to Catalina’s west end. It took a few hours to clear the island and due to an unfavorable weather pattern known as the Catalina Eddy, we found ourselves unable to go west. We could sail north and south only for two days! Finally the wind changed a little and we pointed Second Chance’s bow in the general direction of Oahu. The weather was still cold but the wind became stronger and steadier for the next five days. During this leg we averaged less than 150 miles per day.
Our crew worked in watches of three: three people per watch, watches lasted three hours. One person at the helm, one trimmer and one to keep the other two company.
Our meals, expertly planned and prepared by Commodore Randy Alcorn of AYC, were delicious and satisfying. Before the race, he cooked dinners like beef stroganoff and spagetti with meatballs, then stored them in plastc bags and froze them. One night we had strawberry shortcake for dessert! Everyone ate dinner at the same time, and for lunch a crew member would make sandwiches for all. For breakfast there was oatmeal, fruit, granola bars and instant coffee. Food is important to crew morale and Randy kept everyone happy. Very little alcohol was consumed during the race, most drank none.