Irene IV - World Adventure - 11:35.7S 100:17.1E

11:35.7S 100:17.1E - The Race

Irene IV - World Adventure

Louis Goor

Wed 2 Nov 2022 09:30

The Race

16^th October 2022

Our journey from Christmas Island to Cocos Keeling was dramatic! Firstly, flying the spinnaker had the crew on edge, a slight slip in concentration and the yards of canvas can end up in the water wrapped around the keel or rudder causing untold damage. Secondly, we were closing in on Black Lion, determined to pass her and gloat! At 16:50, with the end of daylight imminent, we were within .25nm of Black Lion. The spinnaker was billowing, forging us along through the swelling sea state. With winds at a feisty 26 knots from the southeast, we coursed through the water at a consistent 10-12 knots. Declan, at the helm, expertly eased Irene atop the waves allowing us to avail of the power of the surge, clocking, 13, 14, and a whooping 15.8 knots! Rob, barely containing his excitement, was trimming the genoa, in and out, constantly reading the subtle variations in the wind. Louis on the main sheet, likewise, fully focused, eased and trimmed in, making sure the helm was balanced for Declan, avoiding any heavy weather helm, keeping Irene hurtling forwards, closing the gap between us and Black Lion. George called out the speed over the ground of both boats, and our relative distance apart, to add to the adrenaline rush of the moment. I was standing camera at the ready to record the moment. We, along with Irene, were firing on all cylinders. The crew aboard Black Lion, equally focused, were experimenting with every trick in the book to avoid the pass. We raised the Jolly Roger on the Ensign pole and strutted past at 17:25, wallowing in our triumph. We cheered, we waved, we laughed, we videoed and photographed â€“ the occasion was fully enjoyed and well documented!

Sad to say, during the night, that stealthy crew aboard Black Lion (Ed, Adam, Joao and Alia), overtook us fair and square. Upon waking for my 04:30 watch I learned that they were 7.5 nm ahead of us! During the day we gained on them again, but never quite caught up. It is always fun being in the company of other boats as we wind our way from one island to the next. We can chat on the VHF radio, wave, and joke, or simply enjoy the shared experience.

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