Globe 5.80 Solo Transatlantic - Jakub Ziemkiewicz's Week 3 Update on 'Bibi'

Join us for Week 3 of Jakub Ziemkiewicz's solo transatlantic adventure on his Globe 5.80 yacht, Bibi! In this update, Jakub shares key insights from his phone call with Graham, covering his transition from cruising to racing, sail handling challenges, boat modifications, and his preparations for Antigua.
Highlights include:
⛵ Adapting to Racing Mode - Overcoming sail issues and optimizing speed
🔧 Boat Upgrades & Lessons Learned - Improvements for future races
🏝️ Antigua Prep - Plans for modifications and meeting his manager, John
🛌 Life on Board - Managing sleep, hygiene, and cooking at sea
🌊 Self-Steering & Navigation - Balancing wind vane steering with celestial navigation
Jakub reflects on his journey, drawing comparisons to The Hobbit, and shares heartfelt gratitude for his support team. Don't miss this compelling insight into solo ocean racing!
📢 Subscribe for more updates on the Globe 5.80 adventures! 🌍⛵ #Globe580 #SoloSailing #TransatlanticRace

[@causewaykayak]

Jakub sounds like a great Guy. Good luck getting all the jobs on your list completed in Antigua. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@Jazz791]

Bravo Panie Jakubie już niedługo meta

[@ClassGlobe580]

Key Points from the Phone Conversation Between Graham and Jakub
1. Initial Experience and Transition to Racing
Jakub enjoyed the first week in a relaxed "cruising mode," focusing on rest and adaptation.
His manager, John, encouraged him to push harder and transition into "racing mode."
Encountered an issue when the gennaker (A5) ripped off the bracket at the bow, requiring a fix.
Successfully retrieved the damaged gennaker but is now more cautious with spinnakers.
Initially struggled with using a spinnaker, almost leading to disaster during a squall.
Switched to a goose-wing setup with the A7 and G, improving his speed to an average of 5.4 knots.
2. Learning and Improvements
Has improved his competitive sailing skills and learned a lot about sail handling.
Plans to make modifications to his boat to optimize it for racing.
Regrets not having an additional spare spinnaker and is considering acquiring one.
Needs a better system for hoisting large sails safely.
Confident that he will perform better in the next leg of the race.
3. Preparations for Antigua
Plans to make modifications in Antigua.
His manager, John, will arrive in Antigua on the 13th, giving him at least two weeks for upgrades.
Feels that time has passed quickly and wishes the Atlantic crossing was longer.
Struggles to complete all tasks due to the race demands.
4. Physical Condition and Health
Previously suffered from skin irritation due to wet clothing and constant sitting.
Not used to prolonged sitting, which has caused discomfort.
Has adapted by keeping the affected area dry using a towel.
His knees are also affected, likely due to past injuries.
5. Boat Condition and Hygiene
The boat is dry but slightly messy and smelly due to frequent cooking.
Occasionally spills food but has recently cleaned the mats.
Uses squalls as an opportunity for fresh-water showers.
Has successfully kept water out of the cabin.
6. Self-Steering and Wind Vane Performance
Wind vane (self-steering system) is working well with no major issues.
Has ordered spare parts as a precaution.
Uses hand-steering about 50% of the time, as the wind vane performs better in some conditions.
Sleeps well at night by reefing sails slightly to manage squalls.
Gets around 6-8 hours of sleep, waking up hourly to check conditions.
7. Navigation and Race Progress
Feels time-constrained despite initially thinking he’d have ample time for reading and tasks.
Engages in celestial navigation using a sextant.
Aims to arrive in Antigua either Wednesday before dark or Thursday morning, depending on wind conditions.
Knows that Ron Ono finished the race in 22 days and 5 hours and looks forward to getting advice from him.
8. Personal Reflections and Team Acknowledgments
Feels deep gratitude for his support team, including manager John, technical experts, nutrition consultant, and friends.
Views his journey like a "Hobbit" adventure, comparing his travels to Frodo’s quest.
Loves his home village, Ahada, describing it as a welcoming place where he feels truly at home.
Looks forward to returning and enjoying a steak at his favorite bar.
9. Cooking and Daily Life on Board
Enjoys cooking as a way to cope with stress.
Is still learning culinary skills, which he started developing after his divorce.
Does not bake but makes a variety of meals in his own way.
10. Call Interruption
Conversation ended abruptly while discussing celestial navigation with the sextant.

[@causewaykayak]

Very good reception. Is that Sat Phone of some kind? Doesn't sound like HF radio.

[@causewaykayak]

Graham, thanks for the detailed transcription. Must have been a lot of work!