Leg 1 - Kinsale

With Leg 1 of the RB&I race complete, Trevor & I are enjoying a relaxing break in Kinsale. We are delighted with our performance over the first 48 hours and find ourselves second overall, only 2 hours behind the lead boat. As that is a Class 40 yacht with a handicap some 30% faster than us she will eventually be sailing in different weather systems so anything can happen between now and the finish - just keep on watching......

Scillies

Our race got off to a good start, with the gun firing on HMS Kent.  One of the leading boats out past Plymouth Breakwater, we knew that the pressure would be on. We had a tactical race to the west, tacking on the wind shifts.  But light winds around the Scilly Isles have left us frustrated with boats catching up with us and others slipping away. We have now turned the corner, avoiding the Traffic Separation Zone to the west of the Scillies and enjoying a fresh breeze and close haul to Kinsale.

Richard

And they're off!

Saturday lunchtime photoshoot - smile boys!

Saturday was spent victualling and sorting out all those small, but very important last minute jobs.  Grace and Sophie left Plymouth to go home and Richard and Trevor concentrated on the task ahead.

Unfortunately the fleet has now reduced to just 14 boats: 6 including Jangada Too in Class 1, 3 in Class 2 and 5 Multi-hulls.  However all the boats are very competitive and it should still be a good race.

Sunday morning race start at 12 noon

Our good friend Tracey and her daughter were there at the start, aboard HMS Kent no less, and Tracey managed to get a few photos.  Spot Jangada's new 'stealth mode' mainsail!

So far, 10 hours into the race, they seem to be doing very well and are currently in the vicinity of Falmouth.  You can follow their track on Yellowbrick:  http://yb.tl/rbandi2014  Jangada is in IRC 1.

Grace

Ready for the off...

We have made our way down to Plymouth, via Portland and Dartmouth, and are now moored in Queen Anne's Battery, impatient to be off. The fleet are flying their flags proudly and the sun has come out. We spent a great reception night in the Royal Western Yacht Club, where we got to know a few of our competitors, along with meeting a few old friends among them. Although the field is reduced, compared to 2010, the experience among those racing this year is formidable. We will certainly have to race well and hard! Off for the race briefing now...
Trev

Pooh Sticks!

With no wind at all, the fleet wait patiently for the start of the Jog race to Yarmouth. At least the tide is now turning in our favour. Anyone for a game of Pooh Sticks?

JOG race to St Vaast

This evening we race across the channel to St Vaast, on the East side of the Cherbourg peninsula. Forecast looks good with a fresh wind and spinnaker run overnight, arriving in time for breakfast. Unfortunately the entrance to St Vaast dries out at low water, so we will turn around and head straight home. Hopefully crossing most of the channel before the wind dies completely. It will be a good to blow away the winter cobwebs as we ramp up preparations for the RBI, starting 1 June.
Rich.

2014 season underway

With Jangada recently launched, Trevor & I have spent the weekend getting her ready for the season. Pictured here at her new base in Cowes, basking in the evening sunshine. All the kit has been loaded and two new sails tested. The mainsail, a North 3Di feels bullet proof, and almost flakes itself when lowered. Our focus is now on the 2014 Round Britain & Ireland Double Handed race, starting on 1st June. Details to follow, so watch this space.
Richard.