Mast debate

Errrr.....I've been in discussion with those nice people at MEC Sail, from whom we charter Flying Formula. A pre-race check of the rigging has revealed two hairline cracks in the mast. We've had some discussions about the possibility of taking a different Sigma 38, but that could be tricky, because it breaches the RORC requirements, which require us to do our qualifying miles in the same boat as the Fastnet. MEC Sail are therefore currently organising having a new mast fitted over the weekend. Of course, there will be an awful lot of other stuff to do, with rigging, lights etc, so we'll hold our breath that there are no complications....

About the Fastnet race

The Rolex Fastnet Race, organized by the Royal Ocean Racing Club is one of the world’s classic events. It takes place every two years and was first held in 1925. Every race is a challenge, but the this year is particularly poignant, as it is the 30th anniversary of tragic race of 1979, when a severe storm hit the fleet and many yachts foundered and 15 sailors lost their lives.
The 2009 event takes place on August 9th with our start at 1200 hrs. Each yacht will carry a tracking beacon, primarily for safety reasons, but it also means that you can track progress of the fleet on the internet. Links to the tracking, the RORC Fastnet mini-site and general info on the race can all be found on the right hand side panel.
The course, shown in the picture (click to enlarge), will take us down the western Solent, past the Needles and out into the English Channel. The fleet will pass the many headlands along the south coast of England, providing many tidal challenges, before entering the open ocean and the long leg north west to the Fastnet Rock 6 miles off the South West tip of Ireland. After rounding the famous lighthouse, the return leg to Plymouth is another 260 miles, via Bishop Rock Lighthouse on the South side of the Scilly Isles and the Lizard.
We anticipate it will take us about five days, provided we have reasonable wind – direction is NOT important – we’re not fussy! But this will be a very demanding race and fatigue will be bound to take its toll. We want to do well, but my primary objective it to get everyone around the course safely, and to enjoy ourselves.
As I type, various crew are busy getting things prepared. I’m sorting out the nav (and the blog!), Tracey’s organizing the victualling, Brian’s ordering the pasties and everyone is on strict instructions to stay away from anyone with H1N1 (NOT SWINE!) flu.
Trev

All set for the Fastnet race

Only two weeks to the Fastnet race, so everyone's getting excited. We came 13th in IRC3 an 22nd overall on the De Guingand - a pretty good result, placing us 2nd in IRC for the season! Of course, season results don't mean very much until the end and, of course, we've slipped down the ranking since, as we've not competed in the last four races.
But we're ready for the challenge of the big race and are busy making plans. We're also considering racing in the final race of the series - the Cherbourg race at the beginning of September, which will qualify us for the series trophies. In the meantime, check out the new links below - including a "meet the crew" page.
Trev

Carry on up the solent

Sun 1400. Well, we've finished! After battling around Anvil Point the fleet was becalmed in Poole Bay for what seemed like hours. The wind, previously northerly, finally kicked in from the south west, prompting a mass flurry of spinnakers and a rush to the rounding mark at North Head. We had been puzzled by so few boats going to the next mark and all was explained. Those nice people from RORC were on the line, displaying flag S for a shortened course. We crossed at 1311 with a big cheer. George was so delighted he let go of the spinny halyard. A quick trip up the mast and now sailing up the Solent under spinny, home to Ocean Village and a long bath.

Trev

Rounding the westerly mark

Sun 0630. We've now rounded the most westerly mark of the course - E Shambles, off Portland Bill and are running back to North Head under spinnaker. Then it's back west to Poole No 1, back to North Head and finish, it was a great boost to see so many class 1 and 2s at the mark - including Richard and Jeremy on Jangada Too - currently only about six boats ahead of us.
Trev

Swanage sucks

Sun 0200. Oh dear. Gromit watch took us on a long beat into Poole bay where we tried to work our way along the coast, sheltering from the tide in the lee of Anvil Point. Sadly, the wind completely died and I've just spent a torrid 4 hours off Swanage, with Wallace watch, trying our best to make some progress towards our destination (see plot). Time for bed!
Trev

Tussle off Ventnor

Sat 14:40 Making good progress around the south eastern side of the island - the wind has picked up and we're neck and neck with a J105 and another IRC2 boat. Can't be doing too badly!
Trev