So the big day has finally got here and it was up early and off to the RCYC for a quick breakfeast with Jean and Shaun. Then round to the yacht to load our personal gear and final pics. Some of the guys are visibly nervous and I am not to bad but I guess they may set in when we have that last sight of land for 3 weeks later this afternoon.

Its now 11. 39am  and we have cast off and are waiting for diesel before heading out. I guess this is it!

My mate Colin Branson on the rocks wishing us well.

www.robscapetorio.com

http://www.xtra-track.com/cape2rio2014

http://www.doit4charity.co.za/HOTICE.CAPE_to_RIO_2014

Up early again and headed down to the RCYC hopefully to finally complete immigration and customs clearance. All was very organised and this time and they were there! Hot Ice Crew was punctual and looking bright eyed compared to some of the other crews who obviously really enjoyed the Blue Peter party. We were first to clear and we hope that it stays that way. We have after all managed to stay along side Maserati for 5 days now and not once out of our sight.

The weather briefing was also held and their seems to be an unusual low pressure that is making its way towards us which should hit just after the start. So we are expecting some swell and some good wind in the first few days before we try and make the high pressure that at the moment is sitting fairly low down for this time of year. This could mean a more direct route to Rio.

After this the four of us Kevin, Shaun and Jean and myself head off to buy a inverter so I can plug in my Apnea machine. We also did some last minute additional purchases including a watch for Shaun, so he can wake up for his watch – now there is a pun or something, sun glasses straps etc.

Today up early and went to gym for a good spinning class followed by healthy breakfast. Then off to the RCYC for immigration clearance after which we are supposedly confined to our boats. They will stamp or passports and check yellow fever certificates.

Well the immigration officials forgot to arrive so it was postponed to the next day when they promised to arrive in double numbers to expediate. So another day of hurry up and wait.

We had to load the gas refills on board and met friends of Jeans who came to see what we were up to at the jetty.

The RCYC had its traditional Blue Peter Party and we were there. Headed home quite early.

I am sure you are wondering when we will eventually sail on Hotice. Well to day is the day at 1300ish. I am not sure weather I should be crewing in full ernest due to my lack of sleep but there is only one way to find out. Well once a Hawley always a Hawley! I did manage to wish Karey and the children the best for 2014 but have not as yet spoken to any one else.

Jean and Shaun are still zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

They are now awake!!

A good breakfeast was had at the local Spar which was the only place open and then onto the marina. By now I was feel quite good given my lack of sleep. Jean and Shaun were convinced that I would be sea sick! Well I was not even close!

We headed out for our first sail at about 1.45pm. The enthusiasm was immediately apparent amongst the crew and everyone jumped into action readying for cast away. Off we went out the marina, being watched by all the tourists as we passed by with our Cape to Rio Flag flying. Once out into open water Mark, the skipper gave the word and up went the main sail. It was quite impressive to me as to how the crew who have not sailed together got into action as if we were old hands. The wind was a bit flakey to start with then settled into about 20knts. Up went the Genoa and we hit speeds of 10.2 kts and SOG (speed over ground) 7kts which was quite impressive for a 22 ton beast.

Before we knew it we were practising a man over board routine as Shaun’s Imagine cap flew into the sea. We had to rescue it! The skipper reminded us of the principles and explained his preferences and before long we had all taken a turn at the helm, executing a rescue. Again everyone faired well and it was good to see that entire crew seemed to have  a fairly good idea of what to do – helm and rig. Mark, I think, was using this exercise for himself for a first impression on our competency levels.

We then head back into the marina and tied up.

Early night in bed by 8pm. Shu.. needed the sleep!

Shaun and myself are up early scanning our passports and making copies for immigration later in the week. My family has reached Australia safely and MJ does not seem to have caused to much trouble. I will talk more about the Australian trip in a separate post. We are due to head to the marina about 8 am.

We head down to the boat around 10am and basically sat around waiting for Robbie Dove and Jean finish the dry shopping. Jean eventually arrived with the goods around 2pm and we all helped to pack onto the boat. First impressions are that there is far to milk and sugar. Three of us don’t even drink or use any. We booked a table at one of the V & A restaurants for  an all inclusively priced meal for R750. I proceeded to go large and was not disappointed. Margie and Kevin also spoilt us with a bottle of champagne and Jean cut my steak for me. I am still trying to work out why! 🙂

I ended going back to the flat with Shaun and Jean but decided that it was a shame to waste Hogmany and headed out myself. Long street was where I eventually ended up and what a jol.

I am now finishing off yesterdays blog so if its got spelling mistakes… so be it.

Happy New year everyone have a blast this year!!

Theory course for Oct 26-30 2013. We arrived on Friday night and met our host Perry-anne and our instructor big Dave.

The course started every day at 8:30am. The very 1^st day we  covered all the collision regulation stuff (lights, sounds, shapes etc) and then from the Sunday started with the navigational stuff.  We had breaks at 10am for half an hour tea time and then again at 13:00 for lunch.  The days ended between 4:30 and 5pm depending on how everybody gets on with the theory that needs to be covered every day. There was homework on the 1^st to 3rd nights to be handed in the following day and then the exam theory exam was written on the last day.  We left at 14:00 on the last day.  The accommodation was included and we had our own rooms and the lecture room was available to everybody to study and work at night time.

The four of us all attended the course although Kevin  had to return suddenly to Johannesburg on Sunday due to a family crisis, which was unfortunate as he was not able to complete the course. The remaining three of us struggled on and felt like we were back at school during exam time, as big Dave  pounded us with hard information and exercises and at night we  tried to consolidate what we had learned.

We all passed our exam with Shaun excelling by posting 100% score.

There was something else happening that weekend in Cape Town and that was the Currie cup final between Western province and the Kwa Zulu Natal Sharks.  Well we did not miss this opportunity and thanks to a good friend of mine we were able to  acquire four tickets for the Saturday  match.  Thanks H!

We managed to head off after lunch on Saturday and drove the 1 and half hours to Newlands. The Sharks won!! Well done boys and only Jean was left forlorn as the only WP boy amongst us. The only problem was that the celebration was limited to a long drive back after match without beer.

Woke up this morning very early in Cape Town. Our first day of preparation is due to start 1300 at the wharf on Hotice.

Thought I would head to the gym for a spinning class. Our instructor Talia was in enthusiastic form and was keen to work off the Christmas pudding.

Back to Shauns flat and on to the first chore of the day after a healthy breakfast of oats.

I now have some expensive Italian sailing gloves – Jean-Marie will be happy as the fit well with his designer Italian gear.

On the way to the V & A for sailing shoes. Easily done as Croc now come out with a waterproof sailing shoe and did not take long to decide.

Then on to moorings and the first in life view of Hotice our home to be in the not so distant future. My first impressions were some what obscured by the yachts lying along side. Maserati one of the favourites was moored along side us.

Clambering aboard Hotice I noticed that she had very spacious wheel house and I was ushered into the sitting area by the skipper Mark. My first impressions of Mark were positive. He has reassuring and calm presence that you would expect of a sea fairer of over 100000 NM. Kevin and Mike were already seated. While we waited for Jean to join us, Kevin showed us our kit that he had made up for our trip. Two shirts and Cap that were embroider with the “Cape to Rio” and the Imagine logos. I was impressed with the quality.

The briefing was informal but gave us a overview of what was expected and how everything would work on the trip. We then had quick tour below and decided on the sleeping arrangements. I have one of the fore cabins based on the fact that I have an Apnea machine and would need to use it while sleeping. A bit lucky I would say. Kevin due to his height got the other fore deck cabin. The skipper has a hammock in mid ships with Shaun under him, while Mike, Warrick and Jean have the aft deck cabin which had been partitioned into 3 sleeping lockers. The Aft deck is more stable when compared to the fore deck where rough seas could bring on some motion sickness.

Mark and Jean head to the RCYC for the 1st briefing and Shaun and myself headed back to the flat. Tomorrow is another day and will begin with the provisioning. It has started..

Well, apart from being available to sail, there were some other fundamentals that were need before we could proceed! We needed a yacht and a skipper, as none of us are qualified to sail offshore nor had done much sailing and neither did we have a yacht suitable for the adventure. So the search began….

Of course there was some scepticism as to the state of the boat and as we are of the noble age where comfort over pure adventure is considered important to take into account, a preliminary inspection of the proposed transatlantic vessel was arranged.

Below is a  quote of the outcome;

“Thanks for arranging to meet Mark and to see Hot Ice in HoutBay ñast saturday.

She certainly is a beautiful boat, although there remains much to do, to bring her up to appropriate standards for the Rio crossing.  We have reviewed in some detail with Mark and request confirmation that these remaining items will be attended to by Ocean.

Some issues concern safety and others comfort, all were discussed with Mark.

We are happy to pay in the remaining deposits on confirmation that these items will be attended to in time for Rio being approx mid december.  We have also offered to assist Mark where possible.

We would also like to agree that future remaining payments will be made after inspections of the boat and confirmation of progress.

Mark has suggested a shakedown cruise shorthly before Rio to confirm all issues and crew subject to your approval.

I confirm my attendance of the Theory course for Oct 26-30 as discussed but if at all possible would appreciate it being held in Cape Town

Looking forward to hearing from  you and getting ready for Rio”

I am  pleased to announce that the response was positive and I can now say we are extremely happy that our requirements have been met as this conversation took place in September 2013 and the work was done over the last few months for our boarding on the 30th December. Of course the race itself requires a full safety inspection of all yachts partaking which I will cover in another post.