Preparing a boat for a trans-ocean race is not a cheap proposition by
any stretch of the imagination. But Ed admits to one of the more unique
unexpected costs in the annals of the SSS TransPac: "I had to buy
my wife Judy a Santana 22 to sail while I concentrated on practice and
preparation with Orange Blossom Special," laughs Ed.
"But that's become an unexpected dividend, too. We're both growing
in our skills, and she now wants to do the next race to Hawaii doublehanded."
When he ordered the Beneteau new in 1994, Ed originally planned to do that year's SSS TransPac. But the factory in France flooded when they were build-ing her, causing a big delay. Then, during the trek to California from the East Coast, the truckers went on strike and the 'Special spent several weeks "parked who knows where in the midwest." When the boat finally got to Richmond, the travelift drove over the trailer to lift her off - and the travelift's steering promptly broke. "I figured with three strong signs like that, maybe I better wait for the next race," says Ed.
English will sail the rhumbline, deviating south only to the extent necessary to avoid becoming becalmed. Ed is another who plans to get his main sleeping time in during the day - "in three two-hour increments" - so that he can be awake and alert at night.
English extends thanks to his wife Judy for her tireless effort and support, Tim Murison for advice and work on the boat, Singlehanded TransPac veteran Dan Benjamin ('92) for advice, and Germaine Brassinga for "support at work".
"I look forward to the experience of self reliance while keeping the boat moving quickly," says Ed, who adds that "doing the race will complete the checklist of things I've needed to do to get through my mid-life crisis."
Navigation: Compass and barometer, GPS and sextant backup; Steering: Autohelm 6000 autopilot, Monitor windvane; Food: Pasta dishes, fresh fruit and veggies, some prepared meals.
List of boats | '96 TransPac | SSS | Positions | Sailing Links | Weather Links