Freo race 8

Pictures: Vanessa Cornwall FSC

The morning was spent getting Charlotte ship shape and getting all those sails ready to go.

Then out for a small play before the start of the FSC Round the Bouys Race 8. A cautious start (another name for late) but not to worry with the waterlength now to power ahead in small chop. One reef and no3 in 18-26 knots of breeze and naviguessor spitting out numbers to find those little sticks the big ocean. (not as much time to sort things out now).

Popped the masthead kite on the last run and hang on.....as we reached warp speed with acceleration.

Finished two legs in front of the next boat. Great fun. First and fatest just to top it off. The learning curve has just begun.

Training Weekend

The motley crew had a slick trip down to Mandurah on the weekend to test systems and get familiar with the new babe and she’s gorgeous. My wife says there are now too many women in my life!

Didn’t take long to break the delivery record to Mandurah. We actually shattered it without even trying in tame conditions with a self furler up. It now stands at only 3hours and 10 minutes.

Skipper alias “Joe” is the new boat mascot. He even sometimes takes over the helm when we need a rest, has been found sleeping with the crew and guards the boat when we are not around. Judging by the damage to O damn’s ankle he is an expert at self defence.

From the top of the mast

Well Charlotte is in the water, rig is in and today we underwent sail trials. She is one sweet thing. instrument commissioning and setting up the sail computer along with the first sail hoists and sail tests. An absolutely perfect day with 9knots of breeze (doing 7 knots) and no swell to speak of. Perfect for calibrating instruments setting sails and tuning of rigging.

Is that the time, last I looked it was 8am and the day is over already. Time flies when we are having fun.

Boys were up the mast (hence the photo) for marking spreader patches, most instrumentation is now set and calibrated, just fine tuning to go. We flew the no 1 kite just because we could and we wanted to see how big our houses really are in sq meterage. Only after when packing does it it hit home just how big it is. Takes 5 minutes just to stuff it in the bag! Plenty of sail area.

Discovered that the autohelm can tack the boat so we dont really need a helmsman! And I am a bit worried about the buttons on the display up the back. Should only be one toy in the playpen.

The crew is now eagerly anticipating the weekend for the planned training sail to Mandurah on Saturday.