22 Oct Pacific Voyage Delay

The Golden Rule and crew had a sea trial starting Oct 17 at 2:30 pm. We get 100 miles offshore and arrived back in San Diego Bay Oct 20 at 7 am.

Many things went well including the ScanMar Monitor wind vane self steering system, 3 crew, satellite phones and the ability to email.

However, we discovered some inadequacies, too. We need big, light (probably custom made) sails for moving in light wind. The galley needs work, there are a couple of rigging changes to make, and we need additions to our medical kit.

We will submit written evaluations to the Golden Rule Committee and VFP Board today or tomorrow.

In the meantime, though, our captain, Bill Ethell, leaves for Australia today and Steve Buck will go back to Eureka soon.

The Golden Rule is at a free anchorage near Harbor Island where we can be for up to 3 months, but we expect to find a secure dock this week.

Our weather window will close before the necessary work can be done, so we will likely delay the Pacific Voyahe until spring.