R4: To Saltworks And Back

The weather didn't look like it was going to be very pleasant - however with a wind that was meant to be around 20 knots, and the wind direction was with the tide (so not too choppy) Sam and I headed out for an afternoon on the harbour.

The Crew

John (Captain), Sam crew - just us.

Course 8

From the start line to Saltworks Buoy (S), Bean Rock Buoy (S), Resolution Buoy (S),to finish line. 11.5 NM. Saltworks is out by the lighthouse, well not quite that far - but it seems like it. Then back to Bean Rock against the wind and the tide.

The Start

A shocker... we were stranded on the northern side of the channel trying to get across to the starting area, and the tide was extremely strong, so we were going sideways, seemingly faster than we were going forward. We finally got across the channel, giving way to what seemed like the whole fleet... and then had to tack to get around the buoy. At least we didn't hit it.

Progress

With the tide and with the wind. A good way to start, and our momentum carried us down the harbour, albeit in last position. We passed two boats by the time we reached Saltworks, and seemed to have kept them at bay to Bean Rock. The course to Resolution was very tight and we were outdone by our poor pointing, having to tack to get to the mark. We were gaining again up the harbour but did not make up places as we had hoped.

Result

We were back in the clubhouse by 3:30, had a beer and stayed until the prize giving. Not luck but we had a couple of nice çrafties' on the water and a very enjoyable sail - in some wind, no less.

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Cheers, johnhs