Zapped

Jim Tallet
Zapped
J33

PHRF Rating:
Club:

Hometown:
Occupation:
Age:

81
Pacific Singlehanded Sailing Association (PSSA),
Northwest Shorthanded Sailing Association (NSSA)
Seattle, WA
Vagabond Sailor
51

This is Jim's second shot at the Singlehanded TransPac, having been part of the Class of '02. At the close of that race Jim swore he'd made his last sail to the islands. However it didn't take him long to start reconsidering his statement. "It was probably two days into the trip home before I started thinking about things I'd do differently in another attempt." said Jim when asked about his change of heart. "I'd planned to make another run in '06, but when I saw all the boats going this year, including half of my '02 alums, I just couldn't resist."

Jim was clearly the most "energetic" competitor in '02. Besides repairing a boom that had snapped in half, Jim made 8 trips up the mast to retrieve wayward halyards and unwrap balky spinnakers. "It was the perfect depiction of insanity, continuing to put the spinnaker up without a net and being surprised when it wrapped itself around the headstay."

Jim's added a spinnaker net for this trip, as well as roller furling and a couple of new chutes to replace the ones he shredded last time. He's also taking greater care in the installation of his SSB, employing the talents of a ham friend to make sure everything's working this time. "I missed out not being able to communicate with anyone last time, so I'm really looking forward to sharing the race with my fellow participants."

The goals for this trip are pretty simple: Finish the race, beat the boats I owe time to boat-for-boat, and arrive in Hanalei Bay under spinnaker and without having seen the top of my mast!

Navigation: Garmin 182 Chartplotter with 45XL handheld as backup.

Steering: RayMarine ST 4000+ with spare drive and ST2000+ as backup.

Food: Adding frozen and canned protein to the mush (pasta, risotto and rice) I consumed last time - really started craving flesh on the trip home and my fishing skills suck. Also making sure I have plenty of the lunch box sized applesauce - they make a great snack!

Special thanks: To all my family and friends that have helped me prepare for this trip, and to Sharon for her love and support throughout my continuing adolescence.