The way it was; Fastnet '79 and '81

Sandette rounded the Fastnet rock and finished second in class during the race of '81, but in the ill fated '79 race she was dismasted at 0400 hrs, 40 miles from the rock.

This was the view two hours later.

Jan Krijgsman and his crew made a jury mast from the spinaker and jockey poles, hoisted the No 3 genoa and sailed in to Penzance after a further 40 hours.

I'm sure there is more to this story. Perhaps Jan will add some further comments.

Culebra heads South

Dear Adrian,
I have just decided. Culebra is going south – to Med. It has been very difficult decision for me. I have spent all my sailing life on Baltic Sea and North Sea. But this year I have been defeated by North Sea weather. In spring we started with my co-skipper from Lemmer (The Netherlands) and visited Ramsgate, Queenborough and London and all the time it was raining and forecast 6-7 occasionally 8. And it was true forecast. During summer holidays we were planning to sail from Lemmer to Chanel Islands and came back to the Netherlands but instead of sailing we spent over a week in Scheveningen waiting for winds other than south west 7-8. When the gales finished the rains begun. As usually. So I was able to achieve only Dunkerque and in raining July morning decided to go south.

Do you know about any UFO 34 which has sailed through French canals to Med ? Official draught of canals is 1,8 m. In theory (according to drawings) draught of UFO 34 is 1,83 m , but my Culebra has 1,95 – I took her on land in Dunkerque and measured. I will start from Dunkerque and try to dig up through canals but probably I will have to execute beck up option - means lorry option. So I am prepared for loading my boat on the lorry in Pont-l’Eveque (60400 France) or Montereau-Fault-Yonne (71130 France) and transport her by land to Chalon-Sur-Saone (71100 France) - through the shallowest part of French canals. Lorry option is not the cheapest one but I have no time for sailing around Europe. If you know anybody who has executed this way by UFO 34 please let me know. If not I will tell you in October if it was possible for UFO to sail all the way through French canals or lorry option through the shallowest canals was necessary.

I am just considering fitting anchor on the bow roller on my UFO and anchor windlass. It may be useful in Med. Do you know any UFO which has anchor on the bow roller and anchor windlass? If so would you like to arrange for me photos of the bow and anchor hatch ? I am just considering possibilities of installing the anchor and anchor windlass and will be very appreciate for any tips.

Regards
Hubert

Not so fast Mr Bond. Dr No for sale!

Erik Kiekens has emailed to report that Dr No is for sale. You can see pictures of the boat at www.nfp-nautic.be and I'm sure that Erik will be happy to answer any questions. email him at: info@nfp-nautic.be

Adrian

UFONEWS needs more editors

UFONEWS has developed a life of its own and needs more editors to publish their own postings and to moderate comments sent in by our readers.

There are UFO 34s scattered around the world and authors from Poland to Australia.

Two of the seven current authors will be retiring, having sold their boats, so there's room for more. Just add a comment to this posting and you will be welcomed aboard.

Hydrovane goes east about.

We sold Hydrovane two years ago to Rogan Marr who keeps her at Lossiemouth MORAYSHIRE. lAST SUMMER HE SAILED HER SINGLE HANDED FROM OBAN THROUGH THE PENTLAND FIRTH TO LOSSIEMOUTH ALL IN RECORD TIME- QUITE A FEAT AS HE OUTDISTANCED MUCH LARGER BOATS. DON MILLLER

Spare needed

Good day everybody,

I would like to find two stanchions like the one on my SANDETTIE, could one of you help me to get some ?

I also sent a mail to Anthony Landamore with the same question but no answer yet.

The SANDETTIE is still in Port Saint Louis, where I go every two month to work on, new perpex windows were fitted, led lightning installed, water & pumps systems renewed...

Fridge compressor is planned and now, working on the fitting of an innerstay for a high aspect jib and stormsail if necessary. All to the cockpit is the main target to improve singlehanded sailing.

29th of may to 6th of june is booked with Ryanair !

Thanks to all and enjoy the comming season.

Bon vent à tous !

Jean