Finished the Caribbean 600

48 hrs and 11 minutes to do 600 miles around a lot of islands and marks was not easy but it was a very rewarding race and a new experience for the crew of Bella Mente.  The boat preformed very well in all conditions.  We had a very tight race with a very well sailed Cookson 50, the Canted keel Privateer.  The canted keels gives a very large advantage sailing in this type of racing as it is mostly power reaching, and they have the added advantage of more RMC given with the keel out over 40 degrees.

here you have a Tim Wright shot of the start, and Bella has the jump on the fleet.

The course of 600 miles starts off English Harbor, Antigua.  We rounded Antigua after a short beat and then reach off to the North Sails Mark just off the island of Barbuda.  Leopard, the 100' canted keel fastest boat in the fleet, took the lead of around 2 miles as we gybed around and headed to Nevis on a fast run in 16-22 knots of wind.  The sailing was really perfect as this video shows.  In the video you can hear Bella screaming, in over 12 knots of boat speed, the keel hums, at over 20 knots, it is quite loud.  But we get used to it and it help keep the boat moving at speed.

The sun was going down as we rounded St Kitts.  In darkness we then rounded Saba, St Barths, St Marteen and again St Barths to head south east to Guadeloupe.  We were leading the race for a few minutes over Privateer as we got near the large Island of Guadeloupe.  We had a plan and it was not so go.  We ran ran right into Leopard and stopped for 3 hrs.  Boats behind could watch our travels and head in around us toward the shore.  Many did not stop at all.  We continued to sail hard and make large gains back.  Only to lose to Privateer by about 20 minutes.

look Ma, no hands

But we did set an elapse time record for mono haul, non powered or non-moveable ballast boats.  We also won our class and was first out of all non powered and non moveable ballast boats.  We could have won the whole thing but our stop under Guadeloupe was too long.

Bella sailed very fast and hard the whole way.  The crew kept it moving fast but in a very safe way.  only problems we had was some batten problems on a couple of jibs.  600 miles about 110 miles of beating and we averaged over 12.5 knots. pretty fast including our 3 hr tour...

I really enjoyed the race.  So much fun sailing in strong trades, warm water...

Check out the website: http://caribbean600.rorc.org

Bella Mente does Caribbean 600

I arrived here in Antigua a few days ago to get ready for the 600 mile race on Bella Mente.  The wind has bee in the 15-23 knot range, water and temps in the 75-82 degrees, which is pretty nice for February.  There are around 50 boats in the race from over 200 feet to 30 feet.  It has been a while since I have visited Antigua and the big surprise is the mega yachts that are here now.  Many huge sail and power.  I have counted 3 J class boats.  Old classics and others that just get your mind spinning on how big they are.

The race starts in a few hrs.  Our routing has us finishing in around 1 day 20 hrs which is pretty fast.  We hope to get through the holes under the islands well and keep moving.  Most of the race is reaching which Bella really does well.

You can follow the race and read news at this site:

http://caribbean600.rorc.org

Tracker:

 http://caribbean600.rorc.org/race-information/tracking/2013-fleet-tracking.html

A good Cause

You all know I have tried my best to support cancer research over the last few years.  Mostly from working with the Leukemia Society, we have been able to raise some really good money.  This year I would like to put my efforts, though a bit late into the decease that I went down with, Lung Cancer.  Some of you might know that Lung Cancer is the biggest killer but because most people think it is a self inflicting it does not get much funding as other forms of cancer.  Some of you know my late friend Rob Moore.  He, like myself was a non smoker and he lost his battle over a year ago after a very well fought 2 year battle.  We have a chance to support Lung Cancer in Rob's name.  Check this out:

The Rob Moore Memorial Regatta Auction is now Open!

Live Event

Sat Feb 16, 2013
5PM - 8PM PST

Corinthian Yacht Club

Make Your Bid to Support Lung Cancer Research and Awareness!

Rob died just over one year ago from lung cancer-- an otherwise very healthy 58 year-old guy who never smoked.

Help us raise money for the #1 cancer killer -- lung cancer by bidding on some amazing items donate by Rob's friends and associates. This online auction is part of the fundraising efforts of the 1st Rob Moore Memorial Regatta, being held on February 16, 2013 in conjunction with the CYC Midwinter Regatta. Jointly organized by the Corinthian Yacht Club and the Bay Area Racing Federation, all proceeds from this auction will go directly to the National Lung Cancer Partnership to support lung cancer research and awareness.

The NLCP's mission is to decrease deaths due to lung cancer and to help patients live longer and better through research, awareness and advocacy. They are a 501 (c) (3) organization with a four-star Charity Navigator rating.

Web sites to check out:

• http://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/AuctionHome.action?vhost=robmoore
• http://www.bayarearacingfederation.org

Please feel free to look over the sites and give if you can.  There is a big regatta at Corinthian YC this weekend in San Francisco in Rob's name.  They have around 140 boats and there will be big parties going on.  I just wish I could be there.  

Thanks for your support

Cheers

Dee