Unfortunately the weather forecasts were not correct (how unusual). We were hoping for the wind to be around the 23 knots and decreasing in pressure but found it to be more like 30 knots at 10:30am with a good possibility of it greeting stronger.
However, we decided to head out and tackle the elements and if we were not joined by other yachts then at worst it would be a good training session.
As soon as the main was up 40+ knots was being felt and with the 4 to 5 meters of swell we knew this would be a good training day, as we have not had the opportunity to experience Charlotte in these conditions.
So out came the Offshore Musto Wet Weather gear and the inflatable lift vest/harnesses were taken out of their packaging and issued to the crew so all could get use to fitting them, reefs were put in the main and small head sails came out.
After about an hour and a half of tuning the gear it was about time to head in and pack Charlotte away, with sails down we found ourselves with an uneasy 15 degrees of heel from the near 50 knots of pressure hitting the bear stick as we were coming into the pen.
There was no need for worry as the man on the wheel (crewmen of the day) parked her without any hesitation and the boys got the lines on with plenty of time to spare.
So that’s all till next week when we can look forward the re-run of Inshore Winter Series Race 3.
Yours Truly
Capt Blowhard
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