BLESMA Fastnet team are underway

Day Five
13 August 2009
After rounding FastNet lighthouse in the fog yesterday, we were on course for a much swifter return, with the wind relatively behind us. Night watch was the coldest and wettest thus far, though much smoother and quicker as we were able to easily carry 10 knots. This smoother course was a welcome change. Down below it was much easier to navigate around the boat. For instance, no more getting pinned into, or falling out of the head because the boat was keeled over.
This morning however came a surprise that was not welcomed by the crew. The sun did come out, but with that the wind disappeared bringing our boat to a standstill. Colin took this opportunity to have a full crew meeting and discuss timelines and our current situation. We also took this opportunity to take care of some housekeeping and cleaning tasks around the boat. Hours have passed and the wind has yet to pick up. As I write this, I can hear the winches turning above in an attempt to maximize the slight breeze that does exist. It does not appear as if we will make it to Plymouth as quickly as everyone was hoping for, though morale is still high. This crew is made up of some real characters, which always keeps things entertaining, even during times such as this.

Day Three
11 August 2009
Night watch on Juno was fun!!! I'm black and blue and my left leg is a nice colour! My arms feel like lead weights, due to two sail changes and pulling back onboard the dropped sail that partially ended up in the drink. It filled with seawater and trying to recover it back onboard took over an hour of teamwork. During this process I was in the bow and got truly dunked into the sea as Juno dived through waves. I was immersed for what seemed like only seconds, but it was enough time for my life jacket to self inflate, much to the lad’s amusement.
The dawn brought us nearer to the Fastnet Lighthouse and rock, achieving 10 knots of boat speed for most of the day. We passed and turned around the rock, in fog and drizzle. Unable to see the rock WAS A SLIGHT DISAPOINMENNT for the crew, but we were guided by its foghorn and knew it was there in the murk.
Having changed watch this morning, I took it upon myself to visit the port side toilet. Only to end up stuck inside it, as the door lock jammed. I had to bang and shout for a crewmember to let me out, as my watch were already asleep!! The toilet is not the best place to be when Juno is doing 10 knots and on her ear!
11:30 Tuesday night, and it was all able bodied men on deck. The number 3 sail had gone overboard, it was pitch black and I arrive to find Neil, John and Rob trying to haul the sail back onboard. This was eventually achieved with the additional help of Wayne. We were all very wet and tired. This was the first of two sails overboard, that’s what they call character building. I woke up to a very foggy morning with Juno doing 10 knots, and very eager to see Fastnet rock, now only 20 minutes away. 

Day Two
10 August 2009
After a light breakfast this morning our watch finished at 6am. The night had been quite calm but by 9am the wind got up to put Juno hard over on whatever tack she was on!!
Waves and spray came over the bows soaking most people on watch, but all had good foul weather gear supplied by Ondeck - unlike some very dodgy gortex worn while in the forces!! Most crew members took turns on the helm despite the boat's angle.
The generator is now working thanks to Colin and Nigel who found a temporary solution to bodge - er… I mean fix the fault!
The food has been good, an excellent pastie lunch and spag bol for the evening meal. Moving into the evening routine now on Juno who is still making between 6 and 8 knots.

Day One
9 August 2009
After setting sail the Sprit of Juno momentarily lost its sprit as we developed a few technical glitches (ie. the loss of engine and generator power, leaving the skipper up to his elbows in oil and in dire need of his 8th coffee of the morning). We edged to the start line with no power and little or no wind and a penalty was incurred for drifting past the line. We had to do a couple of 360 degrees turns before finally being allowed to cross the line and start racing 55 minutes after everyone else, the skipper's now clean engine working and him on his 16th cup of coffee - Race on.
The wind dropped leaving us lagging behind, this was soon to alter as a hour later the Spirit of Juno found some wind which gave us 6 knots. After a very determined effort and a lot of tacking we managed to make up ground and are now up with the pack. The sprit is back and moral has been good, lets see what tomorrow brings.

BLESMA prepare for world-class sailing event
9 August 2009
This summer, an all disabled BLESMA crew will take part in the prestigious Rolex Fastnet Race.
Following on from the successful Transatlantic crossing last year, BLESMA is preparing for its next major challenge. This August, an all disabled BLESMA crew will take part in the prestigious Rolex Fastnet Race.
The Rolex Fastnet Race attracts every type of sailor and boat from all over the world. From corporate institutions, family owned and crewed cruiser-racers, to the hardened champions from the Grand Prix circuits, all are attracted to battle the elements and compete in the most famous offshore race in the world.
Background
The event began in 1925 when seven yachts came to the start line off Ryde, Isle of Wight, to race to the Fastnet Rock off Ireland and back to Plymouth. The modern race, over a course of 608 miles, starts at Cowes and attracts up to 300 entries.
Fastnet is renowned for its often challenging conditions. The 2007 race was sailed in gale winds, forcing most of the fleet to retire before reaching Lands End. But it was nothing like 1979, when 15 sailors lost their lives in freak storm conditions. That tragedy led to many improvements in equipment and procedures, among them stringent requirements about crew qualification.
Fastnet 2009
Starting on Sunday 9 August, this year’s Rolex Fastnet Race is expected to last four or five days. Participants should finish on Wednesday (12th August) or Thursday (13th August) and be back in the Solent by the end of Sunday (16th August).
Able Bodied Sailors Watch Out
The race will be BLESMA’s showpiece rehabilitation event of the year. We will be providing regular updates on this site and our Twitter and Facebook pages in the lead up to Fastnet 2009.
BLESMA would like to thank Help for Heroes, who have made significant contributions to this year’s rehabilitation events.