Cowes Week 2019 – Day 2

August 12, 2019

After yesterday’s having been rightfully cancelled due to a strong front passing we were very happy that conditions improved to allow racing today. Our course was in the Eastern Solent with the start in the vicinity of Browndown. Wind direction was approx. SW between 18-23 knots.

The start line was heavily boat-end biassed from a wind perspective. However, due to the tide running with us we choose for a start ⅔ down the line to get into deeper water sooner. We had a good start, some 1.5 boat lengths below the line, sailing between Musk Ox to windward and Diamond J to leeward. Diamond J was being pushed up by the boat to leeward of her and was pinching high to stay clear, this meant we also had to sail in high mode to sail over the top of Diamond J and break into clear air. With some excellent helming by Laura we managed to overtake Diamond J and the boat to leeward of her and continue sailing.

Our first mark was near Osborne bay and was followed by a close reach along the Island shore. We rounded in 3rd place and were able to fly and hold a kite until the mark. Others boats (even those with A-sails) were struggling and we overtook the number 2.

The leg was followed by three short beats and runs down the Solent in gusty conditions and a long beat back to the Finish. By sailing fairly conservatively and playing the shifts we secured our second place on the water. Unfortunately, the number one, Elaine Again, had extended her lead so much that we were unable to get anywhere close to her. However, having scored a 2nd place on the water and on handicap in conditions that suit the planing boats in our class better, we are very satisfied and see this as an excellent start of the week. (pictures by Paul Wyeth)

All the best.

Joost Dantuma