Tuesday, July 13, 2010

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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5 comments:

  1. Hello Sailors,
    so glad you seem to be enjoying yourselves. The stories are hilarious and getting better every day. I must say, I never heard of a Klabautermann at sea but then who knows what's all out there.
    Keep up the good spirit!
    All the best,
    Uta

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  2. Hallo Ulli,
    viele Grüße aus Wolsburg senden Dir und Deiner Crew Petra und Wolfgang! Wir hoffen,Ihr habt Euren Segelturn bisher ohne viele Schäden überstanden,sodass ihr die Halbzeitparty schön feiern konntet. Wir wünschen Euch weiterhin viel Wasser unterm Kiel und viel Erfolg beim Cup!
    Petra

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  3. Alright now,
    Far too many other boats have had troubles so that means smooth sailing for Cirrus. *knock wood* LOL
    Goodness gracious! With all this talk of being attacked and fish flying all over you had me worried, but it sounds like you are doing fairly well. Rotating bunks certainly sounds interesting. (I pictured something a little more sordid) hee hee
    I shall be flying to Vancouver Washington tomorrow but I will continue to watch your progress.
    Much love and wishes for fair winds.
    ~kay~

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  4. Oh well, I must say that I don't understand half of what you say, I'm totally out of the "navigation words", but I love reading your posts and visit your blog is mandatory at least twice a day. We know how important it is to keep a good spirit and laugh a lot. Keep going, with good winds. Lots of hugs from Lisbon. Our gang is blowing good energy in your direction. Anabela, Nadine, Cristina, Paula, Eunice, Carmo, Guga, and more.

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  5. hey maybe the Klabautermann threw the flying fish!!
    With all the stuff breaking in the last races it is only fair that hopefully(knock on wood) nothing serious happens this time around!!

    Keep up the good spirit!
    Sending you some of your hot weather!!

    -Katja u Andi

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