YM Biscay Triangle

Koeketiene

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Just entered Yanita for the YM Biscay Triangle. For two reasons mainly:
1. To demonstrate to wife & kids that sailing out of sight of land is nothing to worry about
2. To find out if Yanita's up to blue water sailing & to find out of all my (crazy) refit ideas really work.

Anyone here done that rally? - any advice you would like to pass on would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
 

jamesjermain

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Etap 38 should be fine for the trip - at least you can't sink.

I did the first leg of the rally last year. We had very gentle weather by and large and motored more than we would have wished. However, you should plan on having strong winds at some stage in the rally - probably on the first leg.

There is usually penty of entertainment in La Coruna and those who have bcarried on to La Trinite have enjoyed that stop even more. You will be well entertained by the Royal Torbay at the start and don't miss the opportunity to cruise the Atlantic Islands and South Coast of Britanny on the way back - many participants leave their boats in La Trinite or Brest and return later for the final leg. There is no requirement, or even expectation to return to Torquay.

One specific piece of advice - refuel early in La Coruna because the fueling berth is tidal and can be very busy.
 

Koeketiene

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James,

Thanks for that - I know/feel the boat should be up for it. I'm sure we won't be the first Etap 38 to make that particular crossing. It's just the first time that I will be making that crossing in what I consider a "light" boat (only 6.3 GRT).

Also, she had been neglected for 7 years when we bought her. She has since then been completely rebuilt to my spec - sails, rigging, electrics, electronics, engine,... in fact apart from the hull and mast there is hardly anything of the original left.
Some of my ideas seemed "odd" at he time: removeable innner forestay, third reef, fitting an engine they said wouldn't fit, etc... . She's just out of refit now; this would be the first opportunity to find out if she performs as well as I think she will. If not, keep an eye on eBay in October /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

William
 

jonic

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Good luck

We did it as a warm up to Rally Antigua, but had to retire after first day due to engine trouble. Torbay was great fun and the organisers are very helpful. We ended up doing it on our own a week later, and met them all coming back the other way. A good time seemed to be had by all.

If wife and kids enjoy it, take them on Rally Antigua. Also organised by Bluewater rallies. Great fun, and made friends for life.
 
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