RE: [Paddlewise] Solo Tasman Crossing

G'Day,

Great to see so much interest in this major crossing. Bradford asked how
far - its a bit over 1600km through some very rough sea. Andrew isn't using
a sail and I don't think there's much in the way of trade wind or current to
assist. Another link with further information is
http://www.andrewmcauley.com/tasman.html . Also I've tried to answer some of
the questions below although I only meet Andrew occasionally on club events
so don't have detailed knowledge.

Mike Dzobiak wrote
>How does he get breathing air in but keep water out when the cockpit
>cover is on and sea water is sloping all around?..............
>SNIP I'm guessing he uses some kind of a sea anchor or drogue when he's
>sleeping but my limited experience with those in a head wind was very
>disappointing. I didn't like seeing a lot of my forward gain reversed
>while resting.

On a recent six night crossing of the Gulf of Carpentaria, Andrew used a
drogue, to keep his nose into the wind while he slept, as well as for safety
to sit out storms. On that trip he also had a couple of sponsons to
stabilise the boat while he slept. He's using a drogue again for the Tasman
crossing, but I'm not sure about sponsons as space is at a premium for a
trip that will take 30 days minimum. One of the functions of the cockpit
dome cover is to provide the boat with some self righting capability.
Regarding reversal of forward gain, I don't believe he is paddling against
significant current. Regarding breathing air. I believe there is some kind
of valve built into the dome - I don't know how the valve is built but I
would imagine it is in the normally open position and only closes with water
pressure. It would need to be extraordinarily reliable but Andrew pays
meticulous attention to detail. However, its a low budget trip!

Rafael wrote: -
>How does he manage to go inside the kayak to pick up food........
Tord wrote: -
>What kind of kayak is that he's using, and how does he sh*t

He gets out of the boat and swims to the rear hatch for supplies when
needed. Of course he would have a basic supply in the day hatch and cockpit.
Getting out of the boat and swimming would be essential in any case for
general hygiene and health as Hans Lindemann found. It would at least give
him a chance to defecate. I think he also has some kind of bowl as another
option. Also I think he may try to get a daily sun exposure to the skin to
reduce the risk of saltwater sores which were problems on his Gulf Crossing.
By the way its summer time over here so the water won't be too cold.

As Mike wrote, Andrew is paddling a Mirage 580 with a few small
modifications and I believe a Paddlewiser Dee Lutz is buying one so guess it
can be bought in the US (Usual waiver - I have no commercial interest in
Mirage).

As Mark remarked the "Bubble of Life" as Andrew called the dome, has taken
on a character all its own:~)

Alex, regarding the canopy, this is a unit which can be slipped over his
cockpit and allows him to sleep. In previous trips I believe he could lie
right down. Not sure yet about this trip. He's carrying a desalinator as
well as water. Below is a multi-media presentation

http://www.smh.com.au/multimedia/kayak/index.html

Hope this helps but I'm no expert on this expedition - maybe someone else on
Paddlewise can give more detail - I'll certainly continue to find out
whatever I can.

All the best, PeterO
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