Day 8 news from Rocket/Stop Rhino Poaching

Dear Family and Friends

Today marks one full week of sailing and I am happy to report that all crew are still well and healthy - although our infamous friend RR (Running Repairs for those occasional followers) has caused us to take on some "different" new hobbies.

Last night the winds were quite mild so headway was slow. We had our full spinnaker flying all night - hard concentration for those on the helm (that's the driver of our yacht .

Early this morning we changed course and thus changed sails - however more changing winds took us back to our spinnaker. Somehow Poseidon did not take a liking to the brand of rum we toasted him with yesterday (maybe we should have used champagne) and he (she?) threw a brief tantrum around 9:30 this morning and ripped our largest spinnaker from top to tail. (So that now makes two spinnakers out of action) Two sets of sail changes later we have managed to set up a good replacement using our all powerful Code Zero (it really does sound powerful, not so?) and we are back on track again.

So where does RR come into this picture. Our ever zealous skipper, Gerrie, has advised that we should have sewing and crocheting skills as an integral part of team dynamics - so we reviewed the possibility of sewing something like 50m of fine cross stitch sewing - by hand. Most unfortunately we only have enough special cotton to do about 39m - so RR is now engaged in sticking the sail together using MacGyver tape and specialist sail repair material. A hectic job for RR!

Our one and only formal bucket which we use for washing dishes, clothes and ourselves decided to part ways with us early this afternoon as it quietly slipped out of soapy hands (the soapy hands were conducting RR on a gas leak). Bushy's comment... "we can stop now, our bucket list has gone!" Since when did one ever mourn the demise of a bucket! We certainly are so RR has decreed the requirement for a new bucket and inventions are being developed.

I have alluded to the concept of an "off button" in previous report backs. Let me explain. Many of the crew are (or were...) indeed reasonable athletes. We even have a Sani2Sea medallist with us. However every single one of the athletic activities that have been embarked upon have had an off button. If the bike broke - that's it - you have to stop. If you really feel beyond exhausted, you can call it a day and move on to the next event. This yacht has no such off button. Be assured, in the first few days of this adventure, I personally searched high and low. And I am sure I was not alone in my search. On many occasions in those first few days, I found probably every Newbie skulking around searching under sail bags, behind cupboard doors and even in cabbage holders - and I have it on reasonable authority that they were indeed looking for that "off button". I am not entirely sure what we would have done if we had found it - however it simply does not exist. The Atlantic simply does not offer a worm hole back to a comfortable motion free bed. Fortunately we have embraced this reality fully and have rather devoted efforts to RR to ensure our worm hole is ahead of us in Rio.

This afternoon we are planning our first braai - this will be an adventure in itself. There is still plenty of very hot daytime left for us - even though the nights are still cold.

Lots and lots of love and best wishes to our family and our friends

A SPECIAL wish to my son Ryan who turns 21 tomorrow - happy birthday Ryan! Sorry I'm not there to celebrate.

Regards
Mike on behalf of Team Rocket/Stop Rhino Poaching

Day 7 on Rocket/Stop Rhino Poaching and all is well.

Day 7 on Rocket/Stop Rhino Poaching and all is well.

Not that the day has been trouble free or without its amusement and excitement.

Last night was a cool breeze with a beautiful starlit night. Night time on the yacht can be very special. The scene may resemble a thriller movie with people moving around stealthily on deck with red headlight torches. Maybe stealthy movement is being too kind - some may call it a drunken like stumbling. The only things to see are brilliant stars, a half moon rolling away from side to side (or maybe it's the masthead rolling?) and the occasional cloud creeping up on our unsuspecting yacht from the rear. Our spinnaker was flying and so was the boat. All was well until around 2:35am (SA time) when a sudden squall hit with zero warning. Within seconds we had an "All Hands" situation. No damage to the boat or crew - but our spinnaker has made an appointment for its maker. It shredded from top to bottom and had to be reeled in rapidly to ensure it did not do under the boat itself. A scary and unnerving time for all - but not without its humorous side. It involves Gerrie and the Heads.

Gerrie had gone down below around 2:20am - the chaos broke loose at 2:35am. Only after all was resolved and we were back sailing under a genoa did we find out that Gerrie gone to the toilet (Heads - remember?) and he was in the process of pulling up his trousers when "All Hands" was called. He came flying out with Oilies still around the ankles and stumbled head first out of the toilet. He finally made it up top (within seconds) with Oilies around knees and a hugely frustrated look on his face. Bushy says "Ek het net Gerrie's se groot oë gesien!"

The next Heads story is not for the feint hearted - you may want to miss the next paragraph. (Another reason for being called the Heads - it seems to Head up so much discussion? I am sure there is a great reason for calling toilet the Heads - but we are having our own fun finding newbie definitions for these sailing peculiarities.).

This is also a little personal - but I was advised under duress to recall the story. I had visited the toilet in the afternoon under pleasant sailing conditions (only one elbow, a knee and a foot required to stabilise). On completion of my duties I had unthinkingly "made clean" and thrown all toilet paper into the bowl. A sudden realisation hit me that this is an absolute no-no! Toilet paper must not go down the toilet! It must go out the window. Toilet blockage is a real threat which we do NOT want. What to do? What to do? (plus other expletives). My only recourse was to very carefully remove every shred of toilet paper from the bowl, squeeze it dry to ensure no spillage and then throw out the window. Be assured I shall not make that mistake again .

We passed through zero longitude around noon SA time today and drank a toast to both Neptune and Poseidon - just to ensure we stay on good terms. We are now officially Westerners! In our travels from East to West, we have not seen a single boat, yacht or light on the horizon (for the past four days now). The Atlantic truly helps redefine the concept of huge open space.

I said we would talk about the off button - sorry this has to move another day.

Best wishes and lots of love to our family and friends

Regards Mike on behalf of Team Rocket/Stop Rhino Poaching

Cheers!

All well crossing zero degrees longitude at around noon today SA time. We toasted both Neptune and Poseiden!

We are now approaching zero deg longitude

Dear Family and Friends,


Sorry for the late update today. We are now approaching zero deg longitude and we are moving our time to "ships time" which is currently around GMT - 2 hours ahead of SA time.


The last 24 hours have been good sailing with relatively calm seas. However this has required sail changes and constant attention to ensure maximum speed - an incredibly busy day. We removed our mysterious code zero sail (I shall have to figure out a good reason for the name code zero) and hoisted one of our spinnakers. In the pictures, this looks fantastic. On board this sail requires constant attention on a second by second basis. So those on watch are now fully engaged. Tonight could be a tough night! Did I say that I am looking forward to going to bed in real pajamas rather than Oilies, boots and safety harness.


Bushy started us off with bacon and eggs this morning - and it's not even Sunday! A great start to the day. However I do need to elaborate on an earlier Bushy happening...
We have now heard that the start of this Cape to Rio was one of the toughest in many years - maybe that makes us newbies feel a little less down about the first few days. Bushy was the first to be taken out by sea-sickness within eight hours of Cape Town. This stayed with him for another two days during which time he could be found lying down on whatever sail sack offered respite. On the second night he awoke convinced that he could well be dead as he could smell himself rotting! Fortunately (??) he had laid his head down on the cabbages we were due to eat that day and the smell was from the cabbages rather than himself! We saw the funny side - he could see nothing humorous at the time

In my previous note I indicated Rex has preoccupied himself with resolving our water maker problems - and I suspect I was not so respectful in my comments (he is my friend after all - this may be up for review when we get to Rio). Note this is not a trivial issue. We resolved we need to assume this would not be working so this required salt water showers at the back of the boat. I wish I could share pictures but luckily our bandwidth limit does not allow this. Gareth advises if you dry rapidly after your wash, the salt will not be so noticeable on your body. Will report on this tomorrow...


Late this afternoon our key RR team (including Rex, Gareth and Bushy this time) developed a "bubble box" for our water maker - so it is now working. Yes! We can shower again! The water maker was apparently not getting a bubble free supply of water from the inlet under the boat. This bubble box is a modified jerry can which allows the salt water into the can and which the water maker now uses as its bubble free water source. I am personally not sure if I prefer the contortionist maneuvering required for a fresh water shower to the freedom of the salt shower. Basically any activities in that cramped toilet are taken on with a combination of agility (lacking in some of us) and trepidation.


Food remains a highlight of the journey and Shin is determined to provide us some Sushi. So Shin and Gareth put out a fishing line this afternoon - no bites as yet. It will be interesting if we catch anything while sailing at 10 knots (18 kph).


Many thanks to both family and friends for all the good wishes - this is reported back to the team and is highly appreciated.


Tomorrow we shall discuss the concept of an "Off Button" - but that's for tomorrow.
Love to our families - we miss you all. And best wishes to all our friends.


Regards Mike on behalf of Team Rocket/Stop Rhino Poaching

Who are the crew aboard yacht Rocket?

Pictured here aboard their Vessel just before they set sail are (left to

right) Pieter Brink (Vaalie), Volker Domres (German), Rex Anderson (Vaalie), Gareth Elias (Durban), Gerrie Boshoff (Skipper and Vaalie), Johan Brink (Vaalie), Shin Terasawa (Japanese), Johan Brits (Vaalie), Mike le Plastrier (ex Vaalie). 

Stop Rhino Poaching is born of the same mould as sister-ship Prodigy - the line honors winner in the 2011 Cape to Rio race. She was launched in June 2006 and built in accordance with the European CE-certification. Stop Rhino Poaching was bought by her current owners in Nov 2013 with the initial goal of sailing the Cape to Rio race.

"We want to raise awareness of the plight of the rhino at the hands of unscrupulous poachers world wide. This is our way of making the world aware." says Gerrie Boshoff

More about Team Rocket:

Gerrie Boshoff (Skipper) 

Gerrie started sailing in 1987,  lives on the Vaal river, near the Vaaldam, where he does most of his sailing.  He has amassed over 60 000 nautical miles since then, which includes:

·         9 Atlantic crossings & 1 Circumnavigation

And the following races:

·         5 Cape to Rio's

·         17 Vasco Da Gama's

·         3 Inhacha Island

·         2 Mauritius to Durban

·         Tahiti Pearl Regatta

·         Round the Canary Island race

Why is he doing this for the 6th time?

For the love of the Colour of the beautiful Atlantic Ocean and to give some friends the opportunity to empty their BUCKET list. On the Vaal Dam, we were waiting for wind to continue racing in one of the provincial championship races. We had rafted up with one of the other boats and Rex Anderson mentioned that the Cape to Rio yacht race was on his bucket list. Next day I phoned and said if they want it out of the bucket list , I will assist in making their dream a reality, AND THAT IS WHY! Sourcing a yacht, putting the campaign together, sail training on the Vaal, and making the START LINE, in limited time is a "Hell of a Race" in itself. Ask the crew!

See you on the start line!

Johan Brits

Johan is a Vaal Triangle based business man whose wife (Susan) and 10 year old twin daughters (Annanieke and Deone) questioned his sanity when he said he was going to sail the 2014 Cape to Rio Yacht Race. Johan has immersed himself completely in preparation for the race – and, in his three most recent races, has managed to garner a 3rd place (from last), 2nd place (from last) and “did not finish” (the yacht ran aground). Together with his rapidly developing sailing skills, Johan brings excellent organisational skills, enthusiasm and friendship to the yacht.

Rex Anderson

Rex originates from the Orkney Islands so has wind and sea inbred into his veins (along with a dram of whisky).Rex is married to wife Rosemary and they have three children John (23), Storm (21) and Sarah-Stone (11). Rex came out to South Africa and in 1994 opened a resort, with his wife Rosemary, “Stonehaven On Vaal” – on the banks of the Vaal River. 19 years later Stonehaven on Vaal is still thriving . Rex is a certified day skipper and has sailed in the Mediterranean and Seychelles – and is a regular on the Vaal Dam.

Johan Brink

Johan is a businessman from the Vaal Triangle that works in the Computer industry. He loves the outdoors and adventures like trial running, cycling and adventure racing. Johan is married to Corne and has three sons, Hanno(21), Jan-Hendrik(9) and Christiaan(6). Johan did the sailing course with Austin Daily and is training on the Vaal Dam.

Pieter Brink

Pieter is born and bred on the banks of the Vaal River and is always looking for a nice adventure.  He has done various water sports and only recently took up sailing.  He is married to Isabel and have two daughters, Alissa (9) and Christelle (7).  Pieter regularly competes in sailing events on the Vaal dam aboard ‘Baleka’ – the winning boat of the Cape 2 Rio in 2003.

“What we lack in experience, we make up in enthusiasm …”

Shin Terasawa    寺澤 真一

Shin is single and lives in his home town Nagano,  Japan Is arriving in South Africa, 17th December for the Race. While doing a circumnavigation he befriended Gerrie Boshoff and sailed together for thousands of miles. He is a Dive Master with a kind heart! On one occasion while crewing on a catamaran, they caught a Dolphin on a lure while trawling, which the owner wanted to kill and eat! He dived into the ocean and freed the Dolphin to the annoyance of the owner/ skipper!

Mike le Plastrier

Mike le Plastrier is a Johannesburg businessman who has spent countless hours water skiing and wind surfing – and has turned to yachting in his advanced years. Mike is married to Cheryl and they have a daughter Jade (24) and Ryan (20). Mike has limited sailing experience in the Mediterranean and on the Vaal Dam – but says he is a fast learner…

Gareth Elias

Gareth a seasoned talented youth sailor and sailing instructor based on Natal, although he is the youngest aboard yacht Rocket he certainly is is a valuable crew member!

Messages of support for Team Rocket

Some of the great Facebook comments and messages of support for Team Rocket:

Well done Team Rocket, have a safe and good race ... regards Cindy

Mitchell Tiling - All the very best of luck to the crew of 'The Rocket'  Very brave men indeed!

Adele Andrews -  Wishing Team Rocket everything of the best. Have a safe trip, we are all behind you - the Andrews Clan x

Mmoni Seapolelo You go guys...we are so proud of u. Do it for the vaal

Andy Rossell - 15 knots is awesome god speed.

Joyce Vincent - Best of luck to the team, may u only have happy sailing from now on

Elizabeth Gibson - Lovely to hear from you all - stay safe

Johan Laas - I'm just SO surprised you guys didn't make a U-turn during those initial storms. Well done boys! I hope you have a pleasant trip to Rio!

Manten Marina - Thinking of all of you. Have an awesome race.

Christopher Bathie - Hi Rex thinking of you and Mike. Take care and vasbyt with the sea sickness.

Richard Patrick - Keep safe. Here's wishing you fair winds & calm seas

Glen Marshall - Glad to hear all things going better now....wishing you great sailing

Lynn Soer Strydom - KEep safe.....

Nicole Van Vuuren - Keeping you in our thoughts everyday Dwaine and Nicole x

Shirley Wall Grove  - Fare well. We are watching every move you make. Thanks for the updates Mike. Shirley and Jacks

Anja Kotze - Hi Gerrie and crew we are all the way with u guys!!

Riana Deysel - Thanks for the updates we appreciate it. Hoping for less RR as you call it from now on

Glen Marshall - Hi Gerrie, fair winds to you and crew and have a great race. I am tracking you all the way.

Gathering local support in the Vaal

A large A0 poster has been put up at Stonehaven on Vaal a restaurant and venue on the Vaal River in Vanderbijlpark gathering local support for Team Rocket accompanied by a flat screen showing real time updates on the Cape2Rio race.