R11: Home in the Dark

Another beautiful even on the Waitemata, but with the prospect of a failing breeze again, we were a bit apprehensive about what time we would be home.

and then next minute...

The Crew

John (Captain), Ian and Dave.

Course 15

A brand new course for this week: From the start line to North Head Buoy (S), Bean Rock Buoy (S), Torpedo Buoy (P), Resolution Buoy (S), Bayswater Buoy (P), to the finish line. 10.5NM

The Start

What a great "potential", we were leeward and coming up the line. However, we found a way to stuff it up... as a brief lull and an outgoing tide meant that we ended up slewing head to wind and then... the gun. We were going nowhere fast. A slow 360 and we started last.

Progress

We pressed on down the harbour, catching the fleet, passing two boats and chasing down a third. What could have been... Around North Head we were looking good in our chase, around the bouy and three boats in line with each other. Then mysteriously, we stopped and the boats either side of us sailed on - albeit slowly, but better than our 0.8 knots. We eventually had to play catch-up all over again - finishing the shortened race at Resolution.

The Result

We were surprised and possibly a little embarrassed after our terrible start - to score a WIN on handicap. Number 1 on the podium. Those CRC products will come in very handy indeed.

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cheers johnhs