Matt Rutherford

Oct 30, 2011
221
I am just sat having a coffee and a chat with a sailing friend after
completing the last "big" job (solar panel) - big smile! I have a
huge amount of stuff to tidy up and clear away but I think it is fair
to say that it is time the damn thing got wet! I missed the last lot
of spring tides on the River Mersey due to filling my fuel tank with
water - I was testing the bilge pumps and filled the bilge up with
water but forgot to screw the fuel tank dipstick in! Silly me - took
ages to get the motor running again! Really must move the tank one
day...
I did manage to navigate the Mersey in a friends yacht (route here https://flic.kr/p/bL3ZJX )
- nearly 50 waypoints, it was a real challenge! We eventually got
as far as Maryport on the Cumbrian coast feeling tired and sick...
orrible Easter weekend weather!

Anyway the beast will be launched next week and, as long as it floats,
I will spend some time getting all the bits of string and wires in the
correct places and checking to see that everything works. I guess it
will take a week or two to get ready... then I am off to Holyhead for
a month or so to work out how to sail it and then it will be time to
tackle the Bay of Biscay... must order more seasick tablets...

John
 
Jan 13, 2001
40
According to word-of-mouth around here, Matt is very close to the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay, which is the official finish line. The winds have been very unfavorable, and one report has it he was blown off course and near shore. The engine is not operational. Once he is in the Bay the CRAB workboat will be able to assist him. There are photos of St. Brendan on SolotheAmericas site. The dockside welcome will be about noon, with a small welcome party to take place in the afternoon. The crew of Godspeed have put up a matching grant of $21,000 for donations, and the CRAB website is www.crabsailing.org for those who wish to become a donor.
 
Jul 24, 2002
149
He's finally done it!!! The winds have improved dramatically - 20 kn + out the ENE - and Matt has made the best of it - he crossed his outward bound path at 10:30 local time (14:30 GMT).

According to the local rag, he had a few brewskies already, and is about to hop onboard a motorboat from CRAB that'll tow his Vega to Annapolis - so he should be home today!

Once again - 100 cheers for the successful end of this saga and for Matt's bravery!

- Sebastian (V1060 VegaLyra)
 
Feb 13, 2010
528
Fantastic, unbelievable. Now that all the pain and suffering is over I
would like to be him, right up until he has to meet the press:)
Doug
 

mphalv

.
Sep 29, 2001
195
I hope some of our Vegatarians in the Annapolis area will be there for Matt's homecoming celebration today. I will be watching the live stream. Congrats to Matt!

Melanie Halvachs
V1826 Double Fantasy
Holden, Maine
 
Jul 24, 2002
149
I hate to say it, but the camera man seems a bit inept at keeping the main attraction in his view. And why does the "anchor woman" feel the need to keep badmouthing the Vega?
 
May 30, 2006
1,075
Hi All,
I am at the Annapolis Boat Show.
Sailed my Vega in.
I was very pleased last night to see St Brendan still here.
Today, Matt is here in front of his boat fielding questions. It was an honor to see and talk with him.
Gh
 
May 30, 2006
1,075
So, im working on putting in new electric service for the new beta.
Standing in the cockpit, looking at wires. I hear "hello".

I look up.
And there stands the golden boy. The red haired brave adventurer asking to come aboard!

He was at the marina and saw my albin vega.

I showed him my boat, which was a mess of tools, exhaust pipe, prop shaft, wiring, etc. (of course, i hear his is like a bomb went off).

So i think my real estate values just went up. Plus i told him to rub my boat for luck.

He mentioned that he was giving some talks before hurricane Sandy and couldnt get back. A friend took his vega from the museum ( he says the worst spot to be by reputation due to its location on back creek) and up the creek and anchored it with 22 lb plow.
He said it was fine. 55 mph sustained and 70 gusts is what i experienced nearby. Im also in back creek.

Gh
 
Nov 11, 2016
96
Nimble Arctic Toronto
Hey gang - did anyone read the recent story of Matt's latest adventures on the high seas? If not, you may be able to do so at the following link oceanresearchproject Cheers, Trevor (V2915 - Mystic Rose)
 
Feb 28, 2006
127
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Interesting to read in his profile on this site that one of the
records Matt broke in his epic voyage around the Americas was
"sailing the smallest boat in history through the Northwest Passage." How
about that.

Garry
V. 2427