Richard Hewson

Date Monday 13 May 2013 Location SE Mallorca

Light winds make frustrating sailing as Richard Hewson and the RG650 try to round the SE tip of Mallorca and set course for Palma. It was hoped that the Qualification passage would be finished in 10 days, we are now up to day 12, out of coffee, and nearly out of water.

0001 No wind, drifting towards Pt Saltas SE Mallorca – at least we are drifting the right way!
0630 Position 39 16N 003 09E Only 30nm from Palma. No wind. Log for yesterday records only 20nm made.. so we may be in Palma by Wednesday. I have a call asking if I would like to visit friends for dinner to celebrate me finishing my qualification passage yesterday.. I inform them I am still 30nm to go!
0930 Wind from SW and very light.. but its still wind! Hoisted full main, solent and code 0.
1000 Wind veered. Code 0 down. Tacking very close to the shore into the bay of Palma as this is the only place there seems to be wind. So shallow I can make out the rocks and weed on the bottom. Water is crystal clear.. very beautiful, nice day for swimming!
1030 Position 39 20N 003 05E Passed close to Pt Salinas Lt. Slight breeze and now fetching to Palma. Code 0 up.
1300 Positoin 39 20N 2 30E Rounding the bluff sailing close to the cliffs. Code 0 down, LWS up. Shorts and T-shirt for the first time since I left Palma. Sterio on, constant moderate breeze. This is champaign sailing and worth every bit bad weather and light winds we have had over the past week. It is very very good to be alive!
1500 Position 39 33N Crossed the finish line as we belted along at 8-9 kts in steady wind with the LWS up. MINI QUALIFICATION PASSAGE COMPLETE!!! I drop the Light Weight Spinnaker in triumph as we pass the breakwater and sail into Palma Harbor. I give myself a loud cheer, and then reach my way across the harbor towards Real Club Nautico.
1540 Sails down and tied up at Real Club Nautico Palma, my home for the next few months while I prepair for the 2013 Mini Transat Race.. I am now Qualified!