The Sea Squirrel has arrived!

The committee boat has arrived

David and Synthia are bringing it ’round from the other side of Princeville. Because of the recent flooding (see Hanalei Flood, above) there is no launching of boats via the River. Here is Synthia, dressed for serious boating.

When told that the Sea Squirrel can be …., well, squirrelly … Synthia was asked if she thought she could fix it if necessary. Synthia’s response? “Engines and I get along just fine as long as they work.”

Taste testing Mai Tais for arrivals

Mai tai taste testing occurred today at the little yellow house, with Synthia carefully measuring out rum, pineapple juice, squishing limes and wondering whether the race committee needs to spend a bit more for grenadine syrup. Between tastes Synthia discussed the importance of staying within budget. The suggestion was made to serve only the sailors as they arrive, and locking up the liquor in between arrivals, but that idea was rejected as too severe.

Waiting waiting waiting …

7.4.18

So, what are we doing today while we wait for the sailors to make landfall? We’re measuring plaques for the trophies,

baking bread

and hanging our radio from the tree outside the kitchen.

The black cat is cleaning its fur in the sun. Rob Macfarlane has finished cleaning the bottom of Tiger Beetle and will come by in awhile. Christine Weaver and Jonathan Gutoff have arrived in Lihue and will come by after they set up at their little cottage. David called his mother, Synthia called hers

and I will call mine soon. We are in a state of suspended animation.

Fourth of July @ Command Central

Fourth of July and Synthia Petroka is making pancakes. Rob Macfarlane is launching his dinghy and paddling in for breakfast. The Commodore is programming the finish pin into his handheld radio and the sun is shining.

Synthia’s response to this photo? “Now everyone will know that I am a domestic goddess!”

On the chicken front, we are tossing stuff out to the demanding hen and her pullets. They don’t like banana peels, but apple cores pass muster. Picky picky!

Sunny sky here with some fluffy clouds. Looking forward to welcoming our sailors, feeding them, listening to them snore from the corner of the room.

Photos of Command Central

The most important ingredient in Hanalei Bay for us are the sailors who participate in this little event we call the Singlehanded Transpacific Yacht Race. Even though there are only 19 sailors, they are our sailors and they are impressive, indeed.

In the absence of photos of dirty, sleep deprived people, and until they arrive, here are images of the Little Yellow House

The decompression chamber, where people sleep until loved ones come to collect them

Outdoor shower, where stinky sailors luxuriate after weeks at sea

transportation to the grocery store and just for fun

Chickens and Cats

Up with the rooster in Hanalei Bay. The little yellow house came with a black cat and, of course, lots of chickens. A bag of cat food was left for the former, which the Commodore dutifully poured for the cat, only to catch the hen and her chicks eating it. 

What’s on the agenda today for the RC? We await Larry and the crates full of sailor goodies like anchors, three outboard engines, four dinghies etc.

Then, of course, there is Larry’s Committee boat, with its outboard engine which in 2016 had some starter issues. It ran just fine, once Al Germain figured out how to prime the pump just so and jiggle the handle this way first, then … ah!… that way. So it all worked out.

Family and friends who want to go out and greet their racer? As many can go as the boat will hold, and life jackets are available. Just let us know. And if your racer sails into the bay at 3 am? Well, we’ll be there.

At Command Central

7.3.18

Here we are at the little yellow house across a stretch of sand from Hanalei Bay, known by all as Command Central. It has been completely remodelled  and is even more beautiful than before. It came with a caretaker, a very nice, tall, blond surfer from Boston. Yes, Boston. Where they have very different waves. He is a friend of the owners, and told us about how the owner worked tirelessly and personally to prepare this house after the Hanalei Flood so that the Singlehanded Sailing Society would have a home. Yup.

The owner added a huge slab of black granite (with gold sparklies) in the kitchen and the bathroom has been redone with high end fixtures.

Greg Ashby is conscious out there about his smell, and Philippe is intimately involved with his pink bucket. When they arrive here they will be in Piggie Heaven!

Purchase Tickets to Awards Dinner in Nawiliwili – July 14th 5:00 pm HST

Hi folks, you may buy your guest tickets here for the awards banquet in Nawiliwili, Kauai, Hawaii on July 14th.  The menu promises to be something yummy.  Choose “Pay with Debit or Credit Card” if you do not wish to log into a PayPal account.  If your guest name is not obvious by your e-mail or paypal account, kindly send instructions to seller with the name that should be added to the guest list.

Thank you!!

 

Purchase Tickets here