Douarnenez: Marek "Goły" Gałkiewicz's is commenting on Capt. Kaczorowski's doings

June, 20 2006

After three days full of preparation, on 14 June, in the morning, Jarek set sail in Douarnenez port heading towards the first point on the route - Basse Vieile buoy - known as the "gates" to Douarnenez Bay. According to the weather forecast, during the first part of the route winds ought to be northwest with the speed of 10 kt. This meant a smooth and not too fast "ride" on the wind.

Unfortunately, all information concerning the yacht's position in the respective race phases can only be based on short text messages sent via mobile telephone which looses signal miles from the shore. Thus, the contact with Capt. Kaczorowski is rather limited. A satellite telephone could be a solution, however such a device is forbidden in the Mini Class regatta.

Marek Gałkiewicz, crew, is monitoring Capt. Kaczorowski's doings from the shore. He is collecting data from meteorological centers, analyzing them and sending Jarek the most recent ones. The weather forecasts include the strength and direction of the wind for 48 hours along with pressure and long-term tendency. Information is texted without knowing the actual position of the boat, but when the yacht is in the range of shore station Capt. Kaczorowski receives it immediately.

Weather forecasts do not always come 100% true. Yesterday, during a short sms session Capt. Kaczorowski gave his actual position (48degrees08,5N, 005degrees10,2W) reporting on the night when the wind speed appeared to be 28 kt instead of 20 expected!

He informed me as well about a storm approaching the Biscay Bay asking to check the news he had heard in an Englih radio (unfortunately a French one does not transmit the weather forecast in English).

Marek Gałkiewicz went to Brest to visit Meteo France headquarters. He spent all the afternoon there analyzing available weather forecasts with a weatherman on duty. Fortunately, he did not find any information regarding storm conditions next week.

Jarek admitted having technical problems with the generator - basic source of charging batteries. Unfortunately, the generator has broken down, which means he has to save energy steering himself and turning on the autohelm only when needed for short periods of time. Fortunately, solar panels are working but they require sunshine. Thus, the weather forecast should not only contain information about wind strength but also periods of cloudiness and sunshine.

Capt. Kaczorowski is likely to be back on 24 June.

Best wishes from Douarnenez,
Marek "Goły" Gałkiewicz

Translated by Anna Greczuk