Simrad Race 2

The study of predictwind.com was intensive – big wind at the start and decreasing all day – yeah right. Just three on the start line was disappointing, but good on Bob’oh and Akarana Express for accepting the challenge. So the number one and full main off a reaching start appeared to be OK, but hitting 23 knots boat speed before before North Head was an ominious sign. “No Worries” was the call – there is not much wind ahead – forgot this was the lee of North head and that it was honking on the other side.

The Dirty Deeds following in our footsteps (wake) but very close behind.

Up to Takapuna and things are getting dificult, (about 30 seconds after starting it seemed like) – how much are we going to loose to Dirty Depths on reefing – fortunately they are in the same mind so both of us throw slab one in together.

The rain is pissing down like toilet flush – the only means of finding Whangaporoa passage is trusting that Andar who started 20 minutes in front is on the right course. Getting a bit of a jump on the Dastidly Deeds but the wind has jumped to new heights in the next squall – the call was made to dump the jib and keep reaching under main only – with the wind increase this dosen’t effect boat speed one iota – unfortunately. Can now make out the Eastern tip of Whangaporoa and looking forward to the lee to slow down and rest for a while before the inevitable re-instatement of wind on the Northern Side. Headsail back up, headsail back down – the wind on the north side will need a No 2 – after shiftwork to complete the jib change and hoist we are on a lay for Motuora Island and going upwind at 14 – this is a little more sedate.

Rounding the Island and flatening water, wind in squalls and a fast broad reach to test the new Bows. We had been informed by Hustler that if they did fall off, it would be the stern breaking away. They gave us the required lift that the inprovement was supposed to generate and no cracks in sight – well they’d probably start underneath anyway so that was not total comfort.

Getting to Flat Rock and the Deadly Deeds a long way back – exactly 15 minutes as it turned out. This was the length of time we were hoved to off Flat Rock to retrieve the spinnaker whoose set was totally messed. Sailing through a kite with your leward bow at 15 knots doesn’t make friends with sailmaker or your bank manager, or the owner – or your crew.

So, it was the re-start with Desparate Deeds just meters off the transome in some great swells. Wish we had time for a camera - DD surfing down the swells with the transome meters higher than the bows. As the wind increased more, the plan to shake out a reef was abandoned and the lack of spinnaker really appreciated. By Gannet the Distant Deeds was way to the West and we felt comfortable that being beaten by a boat half your size was not an issue we would have to deal with.

The beat home was just stunning – with all the short course boats in front of us, the hull lifting, 13 –15 knots on the wind and passing them one by one. The last we passed just before Motohue Channel and for once the Dangerous Deeds was not able to be seen.

Whilst you can’t push the boat too hard in these under manned races, the amount you learn about your boat, sail combinations and limits is invaluable. What did we learn – the bows are strong and going back 20 years to wooled kites is inevitable – even for fully crewed races in a breeze.

The ever increasing breeze after we finish put paid to Dirty Bob’ohs handicap win – sorry about that guys – you deserved it.

Cheers – Mud and Rev (Thanks to Dave)


results and more stories here