Potential Race Crew sails Scarlette

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Feb. 22, 2009) -- Scarlette's potential future race crew traveled a total of 13 miles Sunday as it and the boat headed the furthest south from its mooring since the 1985 J/24 sailboat was bought by her owner last May.

"We were down almost as far as Ginowan Harbor before we headed back to Kadena Marina," said Cap'n J. "We made awesome time, had overcast skies and absolutely no rain."


Deckhands Kenny Yergler and Eli Hyman joined Cap'n J aboard Scarlette for the 2 hour and 40 minute jaunt along the west coast of Okinawa with an average speed of 5 mph.


"I like the way this crew is starting to mesh," said Cap'n J. "It's a sailboat not a cruise ship so there's always something to do except sit on your butt and Kenny and Eli are always willing to do their part as crew while sailing Scarlette," he said.

The personalities of this crew also seem to be jelling well. "Eli seems to have the most experience of the three of us and Kenny is always willing to do his part and has a great laid back attitude," said Cap'n J. "Getting a crew that knows what it's doing and that can weather any personalities differences is not easy," he said. "Hopefully, we've found the right mix."

The crew left Kadena Marine at about 6:45 a.m. Sunday and arrived back dockside at 9:30 a.m.

"It didn't take us very much time to pack up the boat, which again makes sailing with these two fun, because they know what to do and start doing it without being asked," said Cap'n J.

All of the crew took a turn at the helm during Sunday's sail to get a better feel for Scarlette.

"I also finally had an opportunity to cut the mainsheet so it isn't so long," said Cap'n J.

"The next phase for Scarlette will be to start sprucing up the trailer for the Spring refit," said Cap'n J.

The above is our trip from Scarlette's GPS system.

NOTE: Adjust the volume in the video! It's automatically too loud. Notice the heal in Scarlette as Cap'n J puts Scarlette through the paces. He backs off the wind a little so videographer Kenny Yergler doesn't get thrown around too much. Eli Hyman's hands hold the jib sheet.



NOTE: Adjust the volume in the video! It's automatically too loud. Notice the heal in Scarlette as Cap'n J puts Scarlette through the paces. He backs off the wind a little so videographer Kenny Yergler doesn't get thrown around too much. Eli Hyman's hands hold the jib sheet.