The Crew
John (Captain) Ian, and Dave, - Mark was stuck in traffic and made it to Westhaven just before 6:00PM however we left Westhaven at 5:45PM... sorry Mark - meet the joys of Auckland traffic!Course 7
A great course. Down the harbour to North Head, back to Orakei, back around North Head, Orakei again, Resolution and home to the finish. This is a good course because as the fleet doubles back on itself, there is plenty of interaction... and for us, lots more time sailing in the fleet.The Start
Having left a little later than usual we made a quick visit up under the Harbour Bridge, put sails up, and headed for the start line. Timing was good, and we crossed with the fleet.Progress
The track above tells the story - down the harbour on a starboard goose-wing until Torpedo when we gybed. The wind was steady approx 15 knots until we came to round Orakei for the second time and then the wind turned, fluttered, petered, switched and generally went round in circles. It took some time to gather itself again, leaving the slowest boat in the fleet, no wind, with the outgoing tide strengthening - nothing like a challenge!We headed out into the middle to find some breeze and managed to hang on to the edge of it, while trying to stay off the channel (and current). Then around Resolution, across the harbour, with an extra tack to avoid a freighter (502 tonnes?? - he wasn't stopping anyway...).
With a westerly wind we tacked up the harbour and finished.
The Result
Back to the Richmond Yacht Club clubhouse for burgers and beer - as Dave said "It would be rude not to...". Dave was triumphant at the spot prize, winning some beer to cap off a great evening.Next sailing Wednesday is January 18th 2012.
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