Status update

Rhapsody was put back into "cruising" mode awaiting further outfitting.  The 150 genoa is at Banks Sails getting grommets and hanks replaced - she was put to the test during HMR and came out pummeled but not torn.  Banks will modify the asymmetrical spinnaker soon, too.

 

Skipper (me) had repairs completed (so far so good) to my neck to prevent issues at sea.  Had two laminectomies and a foraminectomy(sp?).  That is, I will soon have the neck of a 30 yr old instead of an 80 yr old.  Am convalescing after surgery and eager to get back to messing about the boat.  Another week to drive, and then the end of Jan before lifting anything heavy.

 

• Acquired a 2003 hard cased 8-man Winslow Offshore Super-Light Life Raft (ORC) inspected in May 2010 prior to Race to Bermuda by others.  Will finalize installation closer to departure as I do not want it stolen at the dock.
• Janet is helping me build an effective first aid kit.  We'll probably supplement an off-the-shelf one.  I look forward to practicing suturing on pigs feet!
• Will upgrade deck gear, specifically a deck organizer, line clutches and the main sheet winch.  Am considering mast steps and bollard-like guards around the dorades.  Would like to find a manual windlass but might settle for an electric one since I'll have the generator to provide instant electrons.
• Wanting to move the 35# CQR and rode from the bow to storage and rely on the 24#? Danforth in Galveston Bay.  While island hopping, we'll have the CQR and a 35# Bruce with 200' of chain on the bow and the Danforth on the stern.
• Need to finalize the reefing lines - the new main sail doesn't have reefing blocks attached like the spare main does.  The two need to be identical one way or the other.
• Acquired Katadyn PUR40E reverse osmosis watermaker.  Need to install it when healed.  This is a small one but fresh water will not be such a problem while island hopping, only on passages.  And we can capture clean runoff from rain from time to time.
• Acquired 2008 Fischer-Panda 4000S diesel generator.  Need to install it when healed.  This is primarily to run the RO H2O, provide air conditioning on special occasions, and charge the batteries when needed.
• Aquired Scanmar Monitor Windvane.  Need to install it when healed.  This self-steering eqpt, though proven "bluewater" effective, is ugly to everyone but its parents.
   

• Oh yeah, am trying to sail, too.

• Currently shopping for electronics package.  Very interested in one similar to http://sailvalis.com/specs/CommTech.htm.  Leaning toward New Zealand's Vesper Marine 850 AIS transponder in lieu of radar (I'm unconvinced that radar in the tropics is critical).  Definitely Iridium sat phone.  I am using a Toshiba netbook now with Sea Clear.  Will try NavMonPC - reviews are good.  I like Standard Horizon VHF and Garmin GPS.  Have a Lowrance fish finder/gps unit I'm moving from the Bass Cat to Rhapsody.  Am looking at Yellowbrick, too, out of the UK for tracking display on the web.  Pangolin Yotreps is free but not automatic like Yellowbrick that can track the vessel if stolen/lost at sea to effect recovery.

2010 HMR Results for D" Classic Cutter

Pos	Sail	Skipper	Boat	Rating	Div.	Finish Time	Elapsed	Time Allow	Corrected	Time Behind	Pts
1	149	James Greenlee	Rhapsody	217	[D][PS]	1|17:08:37	27:08:37	9:02:30	18:06:07	0:00:00	2
2	142	Brian Bearden	Rain Dog	226	[D][PS]	1|17:53:33	27:53:33	9:25:00	18:28:33	0:22:26	3
3	249	Doug Griffith	Kindred Spirit	214	[D][PS]	1|19:45:37	29:45:37	8:55:00	20:50:37	2:44:30	5
4	182	Johnnie Eichor	Windscooter	244	D	1|23:49:24	33:49:24	10:10:00	23:39:24	5:33:17	6
5	126 assigned	Eric Graff	Journey	246	D	2|02:54:30	36:54:30	10:15:00	26:39:30	8:33:23	8
6	144	Kevin Kaldenbach	Kerry Ann	239	D	NO TIME	NO TIME	NO TIME	NO TIME	8:34:23	13

Post HMR Thoughts

Preparing for the race was so intensive that I've been swamped catching up with "honey-do's" at home.  I intended to go to Rhapsody today but ended up loading everything then getting sidetracked with bookkeeping, marketing for Cypress Preventive Imaging, etc.  I have receipts 2 months old to log - and that was during the pre-race spending spree. 

I'm trying to get the word out to all of my family, friends and colleagues about electron beam computed tomography (EBCT).  You know already that for many the first symptom of heart disease is a heart attack - a nasty surprise.  Traditional screening methods (called Framingham after the researcher that published them) include age, family history of heart disease and/or diabetes, and whether the patient smokes(d).  This screening method catches about 1/4th of those at risk.  That is, 3/4ths of the population at risk of heart disease go undiagnosed until the damage is so bad that things start breaking.

Most of you also know my wife, Janet, is Drs DeBauche's and Razeghi's Physician Assistant at Cypress Preventive Imaging.  These cardiologists are onto something important that you should know about.

Recent studies concluded that the presence (or absence) of calcium in one's arteries is a much better indicator of heart attack or stroke risk (calcium is the substrate upon which plaque collects and plugs off the circulation - old arterial lesions calcify).  But to measure calcium in one's arteries requires a Coronary Artery Calcium Score (CACS).  The technology is so good that every US president since Clinton received one annually.  In 2009, the state legislature amended the Insurance Code to require most health insurance policies in Texas to pay up to $200 for a CACS for at-risk patients.  Chances are good that your policy will pay for CACS for:

Men ages 45-76

Women ages 55-76

All Diabetics

Individuals at intermediate or higher risk for Coronary Heart Disease

Two similar technologies measure CACS: traditional 64-slice Computed Tomography (CT scan), and Electron Beam Computed Tomography (EBCT).  The differences between the two include: 1) a 64-slice CT machine costs about $1.5MM (commonly available at all medical centers) versus $5MM for EBCT (by GE Healthcare, only 5 in Texas); 2) a CACS by EBCT requires about 10 to 20 times less radiation(!) - about the same as a mammogram and not much more than you naturally get flying coast to coast; 3) the CT scan mechanically moves the X-ray source around you and is too slow to image your beating heart without an injection to slow your heart versus the EBCT that aims the X-rays from a stationary source using an electron beam like your old TV CRT did at 60 Hz (the electron beam is so fast it can clearly image your beating heart without chemically slowing it down and is not subject to getting mechanically "stuck" and over-exposing anyone); 4) the EBCT was specifically designed to detect coronary calcium; and 5) Cypress Cardiology offers a CACS by EBCT for about $200 versus thousands for a CT scan elsewhere.  Both technologies require the clothed patient to lie still for about 15 minutes and can detect other abnormalities like gall and kidney stones, cancer, etc. but because the patient prep (IV, contrast, etc.) for the CT scan is more complicated, the overall test by CT takes much longer.  And those that cannot be put to sleep without great risk (like the president or those with severe heart problems) may opt for a virtual colonoscopy with EBCT (no ugly scopes - yea!).

Many of the cancers found by EBCT are caught in curable stages (EBCT can detect lung cancers as small as 3 mm).  Annual monitoring of suspicious growths with EBCT results in much less radiation exposure over the long term compared to 64-slice CT scans (some studies suggest that repeated exposure to older higher-dose CT scans may actually cause cancer but the new machines are better - just not as good as EBCT).

Many middle-aged, athletic, patients in the prime of their lives are keen to get their whole body scanned as a baseline for future reference and/or to ensure anomalies, if any, are addressed early and quickly.  Doing so with an EBCT is about $1000 and an order of magnitude less radiation compared to one by traditional CT.

Extending careers by early detection and active prevention of heart disease is a win-win for employees and employers alike - especially "industrial athletes" whose adrenaline-filled jobs require them to go from zero to 60 in seconds - fire fighters, etc.  There is also interest by high-stress executives and international travelers that want the very best health checks.  First class corporate wellness plans now include CACS.  And for $200, why not?  DeBauche and Razeghi are very much into "clinical relevance," that is, they don't just send you away with a large pile of cryptic paper and film - they will help you understand the clinical relevance of all of your test results.  They are into education.

Wouldn't it be great to know whether you are at risk of heart attack BEFORE you experience symptoms?  And to have evidence to understand that risk?  If your CACS is high then you can get therapies that can lower your risk of heart attack up to 90% - that is, the next heart attack you prevent may very well be your own.  And for those with low risk, you can avoid further testing and therapies - as well as take comfort that hard evidence indicates you are in good health.

BTW, how is your health?

Two Trophies at 2010 Harvest Moon Regatta

Excitement! At the 150 mile 2010 Harvest Moon Regatta between Galveston and Port Aransas, TX October 21-23, Team Rhapsody: Peter Sandy, Mark Heatherly, Ralph Brogdon, Janina Joiner, Matt Greenlee and I, won the Sea Lake Yacht Sales Pacific Seacraft Manufacturers trophy and the Division D "Cruising Non-Spinnaker - Cutter" first place. Pictures to follow. The ground support team included Scott Joiner (logistics), Ron Boley (thru-hulls & seacocks), Kevin Haines (electrical), and Robert Jones ("The Splice Guy"). Thanks go to Lakewood Yacht Club for sponsoring the event, Larry Blankenhagen and the crew of Parrot Tales for mentoring us, Joe Laughlin and the instructors of Bay Area Sailing School, and Trent McBride and the staff of Banks Sails.

The last minute scramble was ugly so we didn't have time to practice as a team before race day. Worried about being late, we departed Watergate Yachting Center Wednesday at about 17:00 and anchored off Redfish Island for the night. Due to the wind direction, we opted for the north end instead of risking a lee shore. Tanker swells from Houston Ship Channel surprised the anchor watches several times. The 35# CQR held at 7:1 despite some serious swells.

We were hours early to check-in but 2 minutes late over the starting line (14:02). Winds were 1-2 kts from 140 deg and the rhumb line to the Freeport marker at about 220 deg. I misjudged the 0.5 kt outbound tidal current to 70 deg, plus we got into the crowd's dirty air at the pin end. We quickly tacked out and pointed well to windward with the 150% genoa, soon out-pacing many of those that started ahead of us. We raised the stay sail and were at hull speed all night in 4-6 ft seas. As night fell, the wind gradually built up to 20 kts and the waves grew farther offshore. We passed the Freeport outer buoy about 19:34 Thu. Very competitive sailing.

The rough seas made everything difficult, requiring a firm grip and secure footing. All were in foulies and wet. One of us collided with the door to the head and cut an eye lid (later, the pirate theme at the awards ceremony allowed them to wear a black eye patch incognito). The computer fell off the nav station twice - once into a water puddle; we relied on a handheld GPS until the computer dried out the next day. Shorter crew swung from ceiling hand rails like a jungle gymn. We left the companionway open and boarding waves and spray accumulated in the galley sole unable to get into the bilge. We had a lot of weather helm and considered reefing the main but decided to stay powered up.  A competitor filmed us and posted it on YouTube.  See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sKl0szVmdI.

On Friday, the wind rose to about 30 kts with 6-8 foot seas so we dropped the genoa. Ralph and I tried to raise the Yankee but we were just too tired and wet. Rhapsody took 18.25 hours to get to the Matagorda buoy. Even though were unable to point as well, there was plenty room "in the bank", so we didn't have to tack into Marker 6 at Port Aransas channel. We averaged 6.5 kt and finished in 27:08:37. The only apparent casualties were a black eye, a broken burgee halyard, and two upset stomachs. Rhapsody never even groaned despite heeling almost 20 deg in 8 foot seas much of the race.

We sailed towards Island Moorings Marina where we cleaned up and had a few libations before settling in for the night. I reserved a double queen room at Mariner Inn and three of us slept there two nights. Saturday we worked on the boat and then went to the pavilion at the municipal harbor. We visited other racers and enjoyed live music, a BBQ dinner, and free Bacardi rum drinks before the awards ceremony. On Sunday, we noted the weather forecast and decided to stay in the intra coastal waterway (the skies were overcast and the harvest moon was needed to avoid the unlit production platforms). After refueling at noon, Peter, Ralph, Matt and I motor-sailed to Port O'Conner. Our late departure put us there after dark but we found the new Costa Grande Marina ($1/ft/night) with nice new showers. Monday we motor-sailed to Freeport's Bridge Harbor Marina ($1.50/ft/night) after having waited a half hour to get through the Colorado River lock. We ate overpriced cheeseburgers outdoors at the marina cafe. The facilities were overwhelmed. Tuesday departure was 06:53. Rhapsody motor-sailed nicely and crossed Galveston causeway bridge after waiting for a 112 railcar train to pass. The Houston Ship Channel was busy as ever and choppy. We motor-sailed into Watergate marina with two hours of day light left to clean the boat, drink libations with the dock neighbors, and share the lessons learned. Matt and I pulled the trailer behind the F250 to Wendy's at about 20:30 and ate before arriving Cypress at 22:30.

The engine required 3/4 qt oil and 2 pt water. She's tight. We ran her between 1700-2000 rpm at 160-180 def F.

Seacocks, through hulls and cutlass bearing replaced

13-20 Sep 2010 hauled Rhapsody at Clear Lake Marina replaced below water line through hulls and seacocks with modern version of same make - Groco.  New ones have much sturdier handle and triangular base.  Sealed with 3M 5200.  Double clamped hoses.  Had to enlarge penetration through interior compartment wall between head-overboard seacock and holding tank.  Will have to re-glass.  In addition, replaced two cockpit scupper valves above waterline (Apollo).  Still need to replace the valve on the engine exhaust - closed only in following seas.  Enlarged overboard vent from propane locker to 3/4" and installed a through hull to protect it - still need to glass-in the propane locker to be ABYC compliant.  Wouldn't have taken this long except for a lot of rain and having to re-do one through hull cut too short.  Found, ground, West System'ed and painted a shallow horizontal scratch/crack on each side of the bow extending about 2 feet.  Suspect it was where we tapped a dredge line in Mobile Bay coming towards Houston back in Feb 2009.  We knew it was there and were nosing in easy to see if we could get over it - but no.  Further visual inspections revealed the hull and keel to be in good shape.  One dime-sized blister was noted by contractor near rudder but not confirmed.  After she floated and the penetrations inspected for leaks, I motored her back to Watergate.  I sold the old seacocks to a neighbor for $50 but discovered the engine raw water strainer in the bed of my truck.  Will need to install it soon while in the slip.