More great loop record attempts.

[CPlay]

Robert Youens with a co-captain this time and lots of support is well on his way. I hope they are having fun and I wish them all good weather and good luck. (My opinion is that this defeats the whole purpose of doing the loop, which is to enjoy the places along the way.)

Garmin tracker that updates every 2 minutes:
https://share.garmin.com/robertyouens

Argo Nav for similar tracking but also notes from their team throughout the day with fuel stops, weather and water conditions, and other things:
https://web.argonav.io/live/robert

A few days before they started, another gentleman, David Barber aka Bandit, is shooting to break Roberts record from last year on a solo adventure. He started from Apalachicola area.

Bandit's garmin tracker:
https://share.garmin.com/69G9HNBS7C?...aBffgs24YmYmbw

 

[Gulfcoast John]

Jeff,
We likely hold the record for the 'slowest initial Loop' at ten consecutive years and it's way more fun.
Today we're at Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Chambly Canal Lock 9 wall (free with Seasonal Pass). Low 59, High 72, 35% humidity.
Do it any way you want, but do it while you can.
John

 

[thataway]

Their attempt is over, less than half way around.

Hull seam has ripped open pumps are keeping up but barely. They are diverting to Erie, Pennsylvania...Ok fellasEmergency!!!!Hull seam has ripped open pumps are keeping up but barely. They are diverting to Erie, Pennsylvania......Boats in the shop, repairs and repair options are being worked. Will advise forward plan when understood. Not going to be quick it appears at this point......retirement of m/v Ageless Wanderer from the great loop record run. The team gave it all and the the boat as well, unfortunately the repairs are to be significant and take a lot of time.

The second boat: "Bandit" is still going, and is waiting better weather before tackling Lake Erie. The problem is that this boat apparently was beefed up to start with, it was carrying a 160 gallon gas tank, it was loaded with food and gear. Thin aluminum is not meant to hold up to the pounding in heavy seas. This was a major structrual failure, and they were fortunate that it occured where they could get the boat onto land. It was not only the materials, but the type of hull: flat bottom no V or deadrise in the hull design.

The second issue is the human comfort factor--the pounding alone is very wearing on a body which is in excellent condition. It is much tuffer on people as they age. Theoretically a two man crew should be able to run the boat at max speed for the conditions 24 hours a day. Long distance sailors get by with little sleep, but their conditions are much different than in the Jon boat. This boat was hitting 38 mph in smooth water, and slowed down to 10 -15 mph as they had rough weather. They were able to speed up toward the ramp, as the boat was going cross wise to the waves.

I have owned several aluminum skiffs and jon boats--the Jon boats are designed and built for calm waters on lakes and rivers. Even an aluminum skiff can be uncomfortable, but with good design they are seaworthy enough to make decent time in moderate conditions.