As one of two returning SSS TransPac veterans in this year's
race, one of Mike's goals is to better his '92 race time of 18 days, 19
hours. To that end, Jefferson has added a bunch of new equipment to Foxx
Fyre, including a new spinnaker, improved spinnaker handling gear
and removable forestay with two tack positions. Add to that four more years
of experience sailing the boat, Mike's plan to push the boat harder, and
one of the most extensive sail inventories of any competitor - reacher/
drifter, 115% jib top, 60% blade (for forestay), #1, #2, #3, #4 jibs, a
storm jib and, count 'em, five spinnakers. The surprise will be if Foxx
Fyre doesn't beat that personal record and correct out high in
division, too.
At the same time, Mike says he'll try to put the rein on his "obsessive compulsive" personality and try to have more fun this time around. "Last time, I was so stressed out that I was 10 days into the race before I started enjoying myself."
The voice of experience tells Jefferson he'll probably ride the rhumbline to Hanalei Bay, making adjustments as needed depending on what the weatherfax spits out. Sleep-wise, he'll take short naps at the chart table the first week. Once in the trades, he'll get most of his shuteye during the day and stay up nights.
Mike extends his thanks to Lisa Sisack, his mother, Hermeline, her friend Worth, his sister Ann and his brother, Rick, all of whom have contributed time and support to his effort.
Still a self-proclaimed "adrenalin junkie" who has made several trips up the sheer face of El Capitan, Mike looks forward to the SSS TransPac in part, he says, "because it regenerates me. I also look forward to the exquisite pleasure of being on the edge again."
Navigation: Two Garmin 100 GPSs, one Garmin 45, Loran, two sextants as backup; Steering: Autohelm ST7000 and Navico TP5000 autopilots, Monitor windvane; Food: High carbohydrate, lots of fiber, canned fruit, cereal, etc.
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