It doesn't look like much - yet. But this is the first component of my revolutionary new heel-steering system with its designer, Richard of Dolphin Quay Boatyard. The two diamond shapes are where my feet will rest. The left footplate is fixed, the right one pivots on a bar underneath the ball of my foot.
Heel down, toes up, turn right. Heel up, toes down, turn left. Or was it the other way round? Anyway, once I've got that minor detail sorted out, it's going to be a very cool way to control the rudder, and quite unlike anything I've seen on any other ocean rowing boat.
On paper it looks great. Let's hope it looks as good on the water.
|
Comments [0]
And if you thought that was a big pile of stuff I showed you yesterday, check this out - and this is just my first aid kit. It's mandatory - all £400-worth of it. For a person who hasn't taken so much as a Nurofen in the last 5 years, it's a bitter pill (!) to swallow...
|
This used to be a workbench in the workshop at Dolphin Quay Boatyard. Now it groans under the weight of my assembled goodies (including all my Simrad, awaiting installation on the Solo.
There's another pile, at least as large, filling the inglenook fireplace in the kitchen of my rented cottage. Somehow I have to find space to fix, lash, stow, or otherwise secure all this lot somewhere in a boat measuring 23 foot by 6.
And lord only knows how on earth the crews of four are going to manage - they have 4 times as much food, and also have to find space for 4 people to hunker down below decks when the weather is bad. They're going to be very close friends by the time they get to Antigua, that's for sure.
|
Relieved to see from your daily dispatch you're fully victualled again, courtesy of the Royal Navy's finest. Cool photo, too!
Who cares about unsupported anyway - you have my deepest respect regardless, just for being out there and keeping going - KBO!
When I'm doing my own solo transatlantic row I'll remember what I've learned about your experiences and draw strength from them.
All power to your elbow!
Best wishes
Roz
x
|
