40:8.86N 08:51.5W

We had a 7am start scheduled to allow enough time for a relatively long leg (75 miles) and to ensure there was enough water over the “bump” in the middle of the channel on our way out. Everyone motored over the start line this time as there was no wind at all. Cheers all round when the hooter was sounded, engine revs up, autopilot on, kettle on and settle in for a few hours waiting for the wind to build. True to form, we headed out west a bit more than the rest of the fleet, in search of the first puffs.  At 1035 the windspeed had climbed to 10kts and by 1100 we were confident it had settled in.  Up went the mainsail and the Mexican and down came the windspeed!  Still, we were happy sailing and it was another hour before the boats inshore had enough breeze to follow suit.

If you’re wondering what the Mexican is, or rather “Sunburnt Mexican” to give it it’s full name, that’s the gennaker. Take a look at the photo and all will become clear! Don’t ask me why that design was chosen. The previous owners, Keith & Sarah, gave that job to their sons.

We experimented a bit today with the sail configuration and concluded that taking two reefs in the mainsail enabled us to sail 10 degrees lower with very little reduction in boat speed. A useful lesson before crossing the Atlantic in the trade winds.

Numerous dolphins came past and the sun came out in the afternoon. What we didn’t know until later was that one or two of the other boats were busy catching Tuna. Apparently 7kts is not too fast!

By 1830 we had crossed the finish line and dropped the gennaker to head in to the marina. The day was rounded off with “all you can eat” freshly grilled sardines on the dock.  Delicious.

Giles