At least from the pics in the article it appears that he has reinforced the union of the beams at the central mounting point. Not sure if I would trust it still, but it looks like it will take a little more wear and tear now. He'll get a little further offshore before something bad happens...
I'm not entirely sure the hatch is a no go. Sure it will leak and maybe even rip off...but he might have filled sections of the main hull with his miracle cure...Homedepot triple expanding foam. So, maybe even completely swamped, she'll not go down.
Latest news is he's still at anchor off SYC. Weather is knarly there today...ideal for a quick shake down. We're not sure why he hasn't set off.
The hatch will be an issue for sure, however - if he gets lucky initially and the hatch is on the windward side for awhile its failure will be delayed. He may not sink initially for a hatch failure, but it would be catastrophic.
Ironically, all the foam that he may be counting on to save his butt may be part of the reason the hatch is under water in the first place. All that stuff has done is add weight to the structure without adding any flotation. If not part of the original design (if there really was one) it could account for it floating lower on it lines.
If there is to be a failure, let's hope it is swift. Withstanding any ocean swell for any period of time is the question. Care on a run and broad reach may be required; I suspect the stern may submerge in a following swell of any significant proportion. No nets is a very bad idea. Shake out should be in an ocean swell, which may be a distance off shore. Cuts and bruises to be expected.

North Beach. very long distance shot.
http:/
current gos from SA's photoboy who is along side in a RIB?
with a camera
the Vann with a plan has been stopped in the
can
I sh#t you not. They cant transfer with the 47' so they are waiting for the USCG RIB...
Daves trying to talk his way out of it, but they ordered him to take down sails..
could this be the end if the tin man?
Wow.
The coasties have finished their inspection and allowed him to continue. The saga continues..
Were leaving together,
But still its farewell
And maybe well come back,
To earth, who can tell?
I guess there is no one to blame
Were leaving ground
Will things ever be the same again?Its the final countdown...
everyone headbang
It's about 60 NM to Santa Cruz from the Gate. So in about 10 hours from now I'll keep an eye on the harbor mouth to see if he has decided to make a pit stop here. (Surf City is located next to the fuel dock, just inside the harbor entrance.)
At the mile mark it's blowing at least 30 right now and there's a good swell running. If that thing is capable of surfing...it's gonna!!! <img src=
alt=
/>
I just hope he hits the sea buoy before he makes the left!!!
So if he does pull in here, I might be obliged to give him some sort of gift from the shop for making it down a pretty gnarly stretch of coast in that craft. What should I give him?
So if he does pull in here, I might be obliged to give him some sort of gift from the shop for making it down a pretty gnarly stretch of coast in that craft. What should I give him?
an honorable mention in the 2008 Darwin Awards.... winners and runners up are usually given posthumously... <img src=
alt=
/>
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