I was very excitied to get the invitation last week to move Avion into “active” status for the 2016 Pacific Cup. The immediate logistics of the registration process are now well underway, so I can finally update the blog with the news, and start to refresh it with 2016 content.
I have been anticipating that Avion will sail in the PacCup2016 by making atrategic investments to make her ocean-ready. The biggest single investment was a new Yanmar engine, 3YM, and the systems surrounding it, including an updated fuel tank, new shaft, new cutlass bearing and new packing gland. While she was out of the water at Grand Marina, we replaced the rudder bearings, repaired the vang bracket at the base of the mast, and added steps to the stern. I also had the outhaul blocks in the boom replaced, and installed a new main halyard.
The big news is that Avion will sail double-handed. Megan and I have been sailing together for the past 9 months, and we are now actively preparing by racing and practicing. We completed The Great Vallejo Race ten days ago. This weekend we have 2 days of Safety at Sea and ISAF seminars. After that we have the OYRA/Duxbury race and the Spinnaker Cup to Monterey, and the OYRA/Farallones race. We have another 8 weeks to get ready!!!
Here is a picture of Avion while Megan and I were sailing her downwind, into the Oakland-Alameda estuary, under the big red, A3, asymmetrical sail.
The Pacific Cup starts the week of July 11th. There is more to come. Stay tuned.
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