Racing again- Yippee!

Sunday racing is not a normal activity for me as I usually sit and enviously watch from the clubhouse whilst Peter and Stan do their thing. Peter had tentatively arranged with another guy to take Pathfinder out racing for the final three races of this season but I must admit to having felt unsure of sailing with someone who had never handled our yacht so did not pursue the option. I was dressed in my Sunday 'going to church' clothes so was a little nonplussed when asked by coach Harry if I would like to crew for him on his Clansman. After searching the back of the car I came up with an old pair of track pants and a wind-cheater  so was able to dress a little more appropriately. With the loan of a spray jacket and with my life vest (which I always keep in the car) I was ready to go - not elegant but definitely comfortable!  

The Clansman is a sleek and graceful yacht to watch and proved to be a very comfortable and yet exhilarating sail. We made an excellent start - perfectly timed and at the best end of the line for the weather. The race started in a stiff 15-20 knot breeze from the North East. The course was interesting. The first leg was sailed on a broad reach downwind and to the east. As we approached the first mark the wind dropped considerably and we were really struggling to make the buoy. Around the mark and across the base of the triangle close-hauled we were maintaining a healthy place in the field- well ahead of the other cruisers and not too far behind the racing class yachts. The third leg of the triangle proved to be affected much by the fickle breezes that are so frequently experienced in Cygnet Bay. Brisk breezes alternated with a whisper. Unfortunately we were passed by a Derwent class yacht and although we were able to keep up on the next leg we were never able to overtake. Throughout the rest of the race we had periods of pure exhilaration and other periods of frustration but it was just great fun. Harry and I worked well as a team and I really learnt a lot. I must say I also was delighted to realize that I was feeling so much more confident and competent. I felt a part of the yacht - in tune with the whole process. On the last leg we had a great tussle with another yacht called Snafu and it looked like she would cross the line ahead of us but we made the finish line just seconds ahead. I was able to manage all aspects of the sailing and mooring with few hassles and feel that I am now far less of a liability as a crew member. In the scheme of things we did quite well considering the weather. We came 8th out of 15 yachts. The slow pace in the middle of the race certainly did not suit the Clansman - she revels in strong breezes. I have been invited to sail again next week although Coach Harry's normal crew will be back aboard and there will be way less work for three crew! Still the temptation to relive the experience is strong...... 'Til next time.