2015 Campaign

Campaigning for the 2015 AZAB Race & Rolex Fastnet Race

Sunday 8 June 2014

Barra boys!

Barra, Outer Hebrides
The Castlebay Hotel came up trumps, with the delights of pan-fried scallops, monkfish, steak and cheesecake to satisfy our hunger after an amazing leg 2 race from Kinsale to Barra. The race itself was not exactly tactical, being essentially a sprint along the rumb line. But it did require constant attention to sail trim and good anticipation of the next weather phase, in order to maximise on the opportunities presented. In particular, our passage to the northwest, up the coast of southwest Ireland was a big challenge. The wind was directly from astern, usually requiring a series of gybes under spinnaker. But, because of the sea state, which would have meant a dangerous, rolling movement, always with the risk of a dangerous gybe, we chose another tactic - to goose-wing. This involves putting the jib out on one side and the mainsail on the other. Normally this is not so fast, but with a good rolling swell to assist us, we managed to surf most of the way, regularly achieving 11 or 12 knots, with me holding the record of 13.5 knots! So we are now currently in first place, both in IRC1 and overall. But it's early days and anything can happen in this race. Our next leg is to St Kilda, around the top of Shetland and into Lerwick. Game on!
Trev

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