The forecast was for some wind which was good as we never like to drift around. We motored across earlier than usual on Friday morning because we had to pick up Phil and Karen from East Cowes. Once past Gilkicker it was a struggle to make more than 5 knots against the wind, rain and foul tide and, as usual, we started worrying about whether we would make the start on time.
In the end we got to Cowes in good time, but the breeze was steadily increasing as we joined the back of a line of boats heading for the start with the exception of Genie and Lowly Worm both heading back in!
There was some confusion over the start sequences but we managed to get away cleanly remembering that this race committee keep radio silence and lets the fleet get on with it. For the first beat we had 20-25 knots of breeze with the #3 and full main and made the first mark well but Loveshack rounded first with an easy lead. At the first mark the ‘bullet proof’ kite went up with the breeze gusting up to 30 knots. Loveshack, still in the lead, puts in a good gybe followed by a near broach and shortly after a Chinese gybe – looks unpleasant - Antelope followed suite shortly afterwards. We didn’t like the look of it (Paul muttering about intuitiveness) and we took the decision not to gybe. Loveshack put herself back together well and we made it down to the bottom mark level with her. On the next beat we lost her, but a delay with her kite allowed us back again on the next downwind. At the final beat we were behind Loveshack and trying desperately to close the gap – we didn’t quite make it and finished second by 40 seconds.
After two apparent starts to the second race we stared well chasing after Lowly Worm and Longbow who disappeared into the distance, but it turned out to be the warning signal and the fleet trooped back. However we got another clean start for the real one. Loveshack was again going well upwind with Lowly Worm and Antelope close behind. Downwind Antelope had a huge broach and we ducked around the back of her. Puma Logic was up with us and was also keeping it well controlled in the testing conditions with sustained periods of 30 knots. We kept close behind Loveshack all the way with another first for her and second for us.
Racing was abandoned after two races and we head in for a rest.
Back on shore Tim tried his normal tactic of trying to incapacitate the crew for the next day way with a succession of quick rounds followed by a prompt disappearance to the mainland. The crew headed off to Toninos for some large pasta.
The second day dawned wet and dreary. We decided it must be breezy and opted to put the light and medium genoas in the RIB. However as we motored out to the start we only had 8-9 knots and we were wondering whether our sail decisions was that wise after all. However, by the start the breeze was up a bit and we were starting to relax.
In the first race we got away to a reasonable start with Loveshack lower down the line but she crosses back ahead of us and we were struggling to hold onto her upwind. At the top mark we were in 4th place, but the fleet was closely packed. The masthead kite went up and gybes were allowed! We had a good downwind leg and were fighting again. By the end Loveshack kept her lead with Lowly worm between us for second, we got a third.
For the second race the wind seemed to be increasing and we got the heavy packed and the #3 on deck. But, as always, the wind decided to reduce a bit and the #3 went down below again – at least it kept the foredeck amused. The race gets off cleanly. Again Loveshack was quick upwind but at the first leeward mark the fleet was very close, lots of shouting, and we made it round just in front. By the end we made some ground back on Loveshack but not enough. Lowly worm was still going well and we get another third. The only constant of the day so far – the rain.
There was a third race but it all started to blur it into one, the rain was really starting to soak through! Again Loveshack was leading the way and again we had to settle for a third.
Back on shore and it was still raining. One of the X332 mooring behind us decided that his reverse gear wouldn’t work and he hit us at speed - a few polite (!) exchanges of words and insurance details. We headed off to the prize giving to collect our 5 glasses for the last 2 days work but luckily Tim had to head off quickly so the pace of the rounds was much reduced…. We made our way back to to East Cowes and the Lifeboat for an excellent meal – it was still raining.
The third day dawns dry but breezy with gusts to 30 knots already. Only a fleet of 5 started, the wind and the previous days attrition seemed to have kept people away. Again we got a good start and headed up the beat well. Downwind we decided on no gybes again. The rest of the fleet was also cautious there was no spectacular broaches to observe. We were starting to get onto Loveshack's pace more solidly today and staying closer, but not quite enough and again we settled for third.
The start to the second race was frenetic and chaotic. The no 3 blew out of its tack and track. The bow crew worked quickly to get it back just in time for the start, but on the final pre-start gybe a kicker block disintegrated and the boom headed skyward. The downwind legs were now in 30knots plus and we had to concentrate hard just to keep control as the gusts came and went. Around the final mark we were close on Loveshack and had a good fight with her up the beat. In the end we couldn’t quite hold on and were 2nd by 4 seconds. It ended a perfect set of 1’s for Loveshack.
Overall we were 2nd in Class. A really great result for Tim, Helen, Sian, Emma, Sam, Megan, Phil, Karen, Kate, Ivan, Giles, Jon, Steve & Paul.