Garmin and Neptune Navigation help us find our way

The two companies have very kindly supported us with their navigation products to help us complete our trip safely and in the shortest time possible.

Neptune Navigation (see http://www.neptune-navigation.com/) have loaned us a copy of their software and the appropriate maps in order to plan the route. The software comes with built in tidal data so allows us to plan the best date and time to set off. It will also let us see how long the trip is likely to take us if we slip below our target minimum speed of 2mph (over 12hours!!).

The other sponsor helping us to safely complete the crossing is Garmin. Anthony Chmarney of Garmin has kindly loaned us one of their Oregon 450 handheld GPS devices. This will be invaluable on the trip as it will help us ensure we are following our planned route and not drifting off course with the tide.

So no excuses for getting lost!

High Wind Test on the Orwell

First salt water test on the River Orwell

On Sunday we took the pedalo for a longer test in salt water. We launched at Pinmill on the River Orwell and paddled upstream into about 20kts of wind. It was tough going; if we had not had my 81 yr old New Zealand cousin pedalling like fury, I doubt we would have made headway upstream at all.

After about 35mins we turned around and flew back downriver with the wind and waves, making it very much easier. The weather conditions are definitely going to be a very important factor in deciding when we set of!

The Pedalo is ready – what about the crew?

Nigel spent most of last weekend working on the pedalo and we now have a fully functional vessel. 

 

The padles are made from Mondeo wheels, the pedals from various sized cogs -getting the right gearing was a real challenge. The cogs connecting the chain to the axle are from fixed speed bikes, this will allow freewheeling which will make it easier for us to  take turns to have a rest but means we cant go in reverse. We have kept the rudders from the original catamaran and have a line coming forward to allow us to control them. 

Nigel and I roped Paul (our neighbour) in to come and help with the first test sail on the Stour. Everything worked fantastically well, using satnav on a phone we recorded a top speed of 8km/h and were able to maintain a reasonable cruising speed of 5km/h. Likely to be a bit tougher with waves so next trial will be in the sea!

Pedalo coming together

Here are some pictures of the pedalo as it slowly is being transformed. Nigel and Alastair are inspecting the cogs positioning.

First water launch to be done this week!

The boat arrives in Suffolk

We have picked up the catamaran from Robert White in Brightlingsea, courtesy of Topper boats. It looks fantastic! Now we need to get building!