Conditions today:
Moderate SW with some marginal planing conditions - OUR WIND!
The big story today is for 2nd place; our local heros from RSC Peter and Dawn Langdon lead the Sir Ralph Gore Cup race for 12 of the gruelling 13 miles, before generoulsy handing it to someone who hadnt won it before, 38 years ago.
How was it for the rest of us?
The race was dominated by the conditions at the start. After two general recalls the black flag was flown and ensured a more obedient start. But the gun went as the wind begun a huge 40 degree shift to the right. The further right you were on the line, the better. We got a great start, but 3/4 down the line we were 1/4 mile behind the leaders within minutes. Of course we weren't on our own, but it was going to be a long fight back from the back of the fleet, rounding the windward mark in about 50th.
But its a long race, and we were going like a train. By the last beat, 3 hours later, we had gained about 35 places. But then disaster happened. A few hundred meters from the line Liz missed her footing on a tack and slipped overboard. Having filled up with water in the process we lost 16 places before limping over the line in 31st. Argh!
It's a blow and cost us a load of places in the series, but you cant dwell on these things. The positive is we were going really fast in the first place, and that will give us confidence going into the last 2 days.
However, that just might be a nomination for the Duckhams Award for Gross Over-achievement.
Now Neil, I have read your comments from the begining of the week and its worth saying that Liz, when she is in the boat, is the best crew anyone could hope for. Her agility on the reaches alone must have won us 20 places today. So unless you reckon you could do a better job yourself, I suggest you button it.
Catch lata, Ben
Wednesday, 6 August 2008
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5 comments:
Hi Ben,
Just a quick hello from me, Jock. Don't lose heart, these things are there to try us.
Good luck for the rest of the week.
Wow, all sounds very thrilling. Poor Liz tho' - hope she is okay. Carry on keeping us posted please as our household logs on to your latest exploits with anticipation and excitement every day. Goodness knows what we will do next week for entertainment!
Oh no, how unlucky – I hope Liz isn’t hurt. Well done for sailing so well in the rest of the race.
Hi Ben, just want to make sure earlier comments I posted had not been misconstrued. I have the utmost respect for Liz’s sailing prowess and in the comments I posted my intention was to add a light-hearted note to go along with my messages of good luck and congratulations to the both of you. Please accept my sincerest apologies if any offence was taken.
Good luck in your remaining races!
Neil - no offence taken - we appreciate your support. I'm fine, just a bit embarrased and gutted by the loss, with a very defensive helm!! Great to hear from you, keep the comments coming.
Liz
Yo guys,
Thanks for all the comments. Keep them coming! I have to go now and find a costume for tonights fancy dress - the theme is "Olympics". Any ideas?
Ben
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