Fortis Excel IRM 1 Race Report

Saturday: 4 races.

First 4 races showed we can be consistent. This time never worse than fifth and never better than fourth. Steady at least. We didn’t seem to be able to find our best starts and driving, but the crew work was great. How Werewolf was not called over the line still beats me – but hey – next time maybe we’ll be lucky too. At least our stealth look should make it difficult for the race committee to call us on the line.. Perhaps that’s why it took them a while to signal our finish last weekend.

Sunday: 1 race (3 cancelled due to light winds)

Well well well.. – Wind – no wind – wind – no wind.. Very hard. BUT: Excellent start – it feels great to be number one but arghh so frustrating to run out of wind. The middle bit needs no comment other than “exceptionally frustrating to race in 3 knots of wind..” The finish was simply outstanding – catching 4 boats on the finishing line… Wow – great tactics and a beautifully performed slow motion gybe across the line.. Nice. Very nice!

Despite the light winds this weekend our consistent improvement is clear and encouraging. I think the wind/gust calls are great, the up and down-wind trim is excellent, the front works much better on starts, and listening to Pete and Jeremy is incredibly educating. Well done despite frustrating and light winds. We got a hint of what our new weapons (sails) can do during the odd wind appearance - I look forward to seeing what they can really do for us.

Return to Race Diary 2007