"I am doing the race again because up our way there is nothing remotely resembling either the event itself or the group of people that enter. I havenšt got my fill of it yet, I simply HAVE to come back . Pulling into Hanalei Bay is OK, but sailing there with the singlehanded fleet is the best part..."

He and Haulback are being sponsored for the race once again by Washington Marine Group - coastal and offshore towing, container ships, ship building ... oh yes... and solo ocean racing.

"I haven't done anything too startling to the old girl for this time around - VAN NAV computer set-up to support electronic charts and HF e-mail, a new set of 1.5 ounce nylon running twins, solar panels, upgraded all the standing rigging to dyform wire, and did a bit of general sort of tweaking here and there . "

Sleep: Hour-or-so naps whenever possible during the day and night. First job is to try to keep the boat moving. Boat: 1981 Spencer 35 Mk II - Just an old cruising boat with longish overhangs, full keel with a cutaway forefoot and attached rudder. She has nice easy motion in a seaway and although she may not exactly gobble up the miles, we will get there eventually. Food: I always have good intentions but seem to end up eating the same old boat-slop regardless, canned stuff, pasta, soup, lots of snacks, tea & coffee... fresh fruit 'til I run out.