Andy Petty is racing an American built Intrepid 40 called Jemima Nicholas, formerly owned and extensively raced by Alan Wynne Thomas, co-founder of the Half Crown Club. As the boat has entered 2 OSTAR's [1984 and 2000] a 2 STAR and crossed the pond a total of 7 times previously, Andy as a newcomer to long distance single handed sailing, doesn't expect to get there first but he will have the comfort of a custom teak interior, exceptionally large and well stocked fridge and a real sea going galley. Andy is a professional yacht surveyor and living in Spain. He is about to sail from Alicante, taking the boat a mere 900 miles or so to the North of Spain, La Coruna, where she will wait until May for the Biscay hop in time for the Race start. His race preparations deadline is in effect 21st March but intends a few more tasks en-route to the start line! This assumes the boat will actually be launched on Friday as promised, having suffered a typical bout of Spanish inadequacy regarding programming and adhering to booked lift periods. At least her race hull numbers are attached now - about 6 hours prior to the Race Chairman advising he had reserved the same number for a different boat! Just one of many challenges prior to the race we are all having to overcome. Andy is looking forward to meeting you all in Plymouth. NB sadly Alan Wynne Thomas died of cancer Sep 2008. For those who knew him, he was inspirational - just ask Dame Ellen.
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