ANOTHER SOLID PERFORMANCE IN 2007 FASTNET PREPARATION
The lead up to the start was uneventful by Incognito standards, we were in good time, everyone was organised and we hadn't grounded on the way to the start! All of that left the crew very relaxed for the start as we fought our way with the fleet in a light breeze and foul tide. Close tacking up the shore, inside Gurnard ledge with the occasional foray out into the tide to rediscover that it was definitely taking us backwards. Eventually the tide got under us, the breeze got up a bit, a heavier Genoa went up and we were down at Hurst, through the Needles channel and looking at our options to get to Portland Bill before the tide went foul. So far we had only really seen Philosophie IV as we emerged into Christchurch Bay. Out in front were Anticipation, Tarka, Euphorix and the rest of the Class 1 fleet.
Despite the slow start it was a beautiful afternoon sail in 13 to 15 knots beating down to Portland Bill, everyone up on deck and working for all the speed we could get to make the tidal gate at the Bill. We just made it - around at about 1800, 15 mins to spare on our latest time.
It was then on into Lyme Bay and the start of the watches to get us through the night. We pushed on deep into the bay watching the lights of Lyme Regis, Seaton, Beer, Exmouth and Torbay before making our way out starting to think about the tide at Start Point. Again we were looking a bit late to get round before the tide went against us. Nearing Start Point the distraction of the Sovereign cable laying vessel was limiting our options - we would just have to go for it and bet on the wind holding to get us round. We just made it again - we were feeling lucky.
The final stretch down to the lighthouse was with the breeze behind for the first time and meant our first use of the kite. As dawn broke we started to see the boats around us. Tarka, on her way back, crossed us at least an hour ahead. Philosophie IV turned out to be the boat chasing us down from 200 yards astern. The fetch back towards Salcombe was in a lightening breeze with Philosophie IV pushing us all the way.
At Start Point the breeze was still holding and coming behind us. We decided to go with the spinnaker at the same time as Philosophie IV and we started to charge across Lyme Bay with a building breeze all afternoon. Eventually the kite had to be dropped as we could no longer make the Bill and we returned to plodding on with the #1 Genoa. As we reach the Bill we were also with Jaguar logic and Philosophie IV.
The approach to the Bill got slower and slower...... eventually the tide turned and we started to drift past the Bill. Nothing but the tide to help us. We were searching for something to get us going but it was hard work to find it. The warm front, slowly moving in from the west, was on top of us killing the breeze. The only options was to get out in front of it. Eventually after a lot of hard work we made some progress but not till after dark, but with a bright moon it made sighting what little breeze there was easier. Eventually we make Anvil point and pushed on towards St Cats for more breeze - we were supposed to be making for North Head and the finish! At last we decided we had better have a look at the wind in Christchurch Bay and start to make our way in hoping for the tide to change and move us in the right direction. With the dawn some new breeze arrived and we sailed easily for an hour, but getting lighter again close to the finish. We had to really work to keep it going. Finish time was eventually at 0920, Philosophie IV had got away in the night and finishes half an hour ahead, we are the second 40.7 and third in class. Elapsed time 1day, 23hrs and 10 mins.
An excellent result for the crew and elation at making it back in difficult light conditions, two races down and 370 miles logged - excellent preparation for the Fastnet - the next big challenge.
Crewed by: Tony, Phil, Mark, Mark, Dave, Dave, Sian, Nick, Dan & Paul.
