Joseph Coakley

Car track line snapped on port side. Coolant system issues; Engine purging coolant and seawater; funneled liquid into water jugs. Engine overheated despite efforts. Sailed almost directly to the dock.

Switched to a smaller jib underway due to heavier winds. Engine issues from East Greenwhich detected and ran a lower RPM to Newport. Didn’t make the line in time. Raced anyway; came in last. Crazy storm overnight at Cuttyhunk.

8-14 knots with 18-25 knots gusts W/NW. I was a little weary going out in this, but we all agreed to go out anyway! This was a practice sail, but after motoring a bit, we decided to head back to the dock. After putting the fenders out and docking lines secured, the engine stopped and wouldn’t turn on. We unfurled the jib and sailed out of the beach area of the park with the headsail, so we didn’t run aground. Bob realized the cap was rusted on generator and had popped off. Had to put in water and cool it down. Makeshift cap with cork and wire. Engine worked again. Take away: I remember smelling something off very faintly and quickly and I learned I should’ve said something even if it’s the smallest thing. No one else smelled anything. Reminder to always have tons of little things on the boat all the time for makeshift solutions.

Long day on the water, but overall successful. We were first in line in our class and finished first. However, after a 10 penalty from a previous race, final results: 3rd place. Wind: 9-13 knots; Gusts: 14-19 knots. Around 10 minutes before start, we realized the shackle broke on the jib halyard. We had to use the spinnaker halyard as a jib halyard and managed to switch in time. The wind was strange/light at/before the starting line, but when it picked up again, we managed well. We had a good beginning, regardless. Later, there were a couple of mistakes with the poll and there was an override issue on one of the jib sheets, on another occasion, that fortunately was rather easy and quick to fix. No major mistakes throughout the race though. Overall, we did well and will get better. Communication and everyone’s knowledge of the boat is getting better. We had a new crew on board too, who did great!

Long day on the water, but always fun. First race for me in 2026; second for Relentless. Ranging weather from very light wind to up 14-17 knot gusts, extreme heat to freezing cold and rain. Difficult “no wind” start and sporty, but awkward finish. We didn’t make any major mistakes (very minor here and there), but are getting better as a team. Although we were disappointed we could have done better overall (coming from behind and not having the best finish - placed 3rd out of 4 boats), we are looking forward to next weekend!