Klabautermann is having a party in the fleet

by Ulli:

More vessels have reported failures in this morning's roll call. Recidivist now has not only a broken headstay, but also a broken boom vang (the thing which holds the boom down). Trial has a crack in the boom near the goose neck (where the boom connects to the mast; compare this with Cirrus' "Gilligan's Gooseneck" from 2006). Rhum Boogie has problems also with their backstay, can't fly a spinnaker, and can go 'only' 8 kn. California Condor has rudder problems, and can use only one of their 2 rudders. Deception is taking on water at the rate of 20-30 gallons/min, but are continuing the race. Rapid Transit retired from the race, returning home, no reason given.

This won't happen on Cirrus. Na, puh, nevah. Ok, we had a few broken sails and things on a few races, like in 2008, 2007, 2006, 2004, 2000, and 1998. And admittedly, some Deliveries also faced a weeny bit of a challenge. But hang loose, mast, backstay, forestay, shrouds, keel, water supply, lights, engine, batteries, life raft, radio, are solid and won't break. We have scared Klabautermann away. I think.

But what if Ben, Professor of Klabautermania, were right, and we will soon have, maybe have them already, myriads of little Klabautermaennchen? Gee, let's get outta here, put even the underwear up for more sail! And of course, do not sleep; it is highly overrated anyway.

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