Saturday 2nd (Interim)
Moonshine
Sat 2 Dec 2006 09:33
The wind gained strength yesterday evening and through the night and we
have, for this boat, been absolutely flying.
9.6 knots was the fastest seen, but we were not allways looking. We had
about 25 knots of wind from directly astern, and a building swell up to
about 15 feet+. the sail was magnificent, but had to be tempered with a need
to keep the twistle poles intact untill we get there. They are made out of
carbon fibre and are intended to bend in all directions, but the hinges are
not, and it is those we are worried about. The poles themselves were bending
like fishing rods, It is impressive to think we were carrying full sail in
25 knots, and that everything was in control. But the poor hinges! We
took in a little bit of reef this morning to ease the pressure a little
Our secret weapon has allways been that the combination of the rig, with the
carbon fibre poles, and the Autosteer, would allow us to carry more sail in
strong winds than other boats in our class, without affecting our rating
.Clearly it works well
The Autosteer has been christened Huckleberry. - ( the fruit of Hydra UK) -
and he is the most reliable of the crew. The only time we've touched him is
when the wind shifts, and he's coped with these following seas better than
we could. If only I hadn't lost concentration with the poles!
The reef is now out and we are flying again! All checked an o.k.
It is a Tropical, Tradewind Day, clear sky, hot sun, strong winds, big
seas,. flying fish on the deck.
Rod, Dave and Alun
SY Moonshine
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