As we move closer to the Trans-Atlantic race we have a lot to accomplish which inevitably brings some hurdles to overcome.
As mentioned before we had some fuel tank issues. After removal of the tank finishing up on a Friday and knowing the Trans-Atlantic crew will be coming Monday for their training session, we had to come up with a solution. With the collaboration of Joe Loughborough, Jens Lange, and myself, we were able to install a temporary tank. This allowed the crew to turn up for the training session and continue the week of sailing without missing a beat.
We had the big hurdle of our gear organization, and there was only one way to jump this hurdle. We completed a full overhaul of both containers and all of Dorade’s gear. We took advantage of the beautiful weather we have been getting. Myles and I brought in my brother, Michael Bellico, three guys from IYRS, Stephen, Jack, Matt, and also had the help of Karl Funk. Working from dawn to dusk, we were able to pull out every item, organize everything, service every working piece, properly store each item, and store it back into the containers in its designated location. Using this new organization and the assistance of Karl, I was able to do a full inventory of both containers and Dorade and format the inventory in preparation for the Carnet to ship our container. With the work of John Hayes and our team, we will now have a fully inventoried, organized mobile shop to have with us wherever Dorade may go.
Following this, Dorade and her crew went sailing all through out the week. The team was calibrating instruments, looking at sails, tweaking any and all rigging, and becoming one with Dorade. The original crew shares every bit of knowledge, all of their tricks, and experience to accustom the new crew to the manner in which Dorade is sailed to her full potential. After each day we would de-brief and work together to improve everything we could possibly think of. Our goal is to have Dorade, her crew, and all of her components operating at the highest possible level, in full preparation, and leaving nothing overlooked.
Utilizing this new level of organization our work has become faster, more efficient, and seamless. With only five weeks until the Trans-Atlantic, we now can see every hurdle left to jump and we are running at full speed to the finish line.
As the week went on, I developed this comforting feeling: That after a long winter’s work, Dorade is back in her glory. It is nice to see Dorade doing what she was built to do, race across seas. This is all due to Matt Brooks’ vision and determination.
-Nick
