Day 5 Persephone of London GBR 8287
Persephone... Cruiser/Racer
Nigel & Karen Goodhew...
Thu 15 Aug 2013 08:39
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Well, what a stressful 24 hours plus!
Having rounded the rock at 0512 Wednesday, we
embarked on a beat to the Pantaenius spreader mark, and then a fast two sail
reach back to the UK.
The Fastnet race is so often a rather processional
event after the rock - given the usual SW breezes. So - in a double handed team
like us, who is racing on one design terms against people with real-life friends
on board, you look to make your gains with your tactics and then defend them
with an inferior boat speed - particularly on the usual 2 sail power reach back
from the rock. If you think that sounds entirely stressful - then you would not
be wrong. I reckon Dad's hairline might have already been receding but
now I'm scared I am aging beyond my years. Might stop me being ID'd in the
beer tent later though??
We sailed reasonably well back across the Celtic
Sea - though I am ashamed to admit that I didn't commit to my instinct regarding
a tidal strategy, so we were left heating up into the tide when
approaching the Scillies, while 'With Alacrity', behind and further west, were
able to surf down with the tide. Whilst we were stuck at 7.5-8.5 SOG, I would
estimate that WA had surfs of up to 10 knots. I know this because my own shoddy
helmsmanship occasionally allowed us to be knocked off a wave and pointing
in the wrong direction... and going quickly in it!!
We skirted around the TSS...headed due East, and
eventually got the kite up after the wind angle allowed. I must admit we
had let fatigue get slightly the better of us, so trimming and driving was
very tricky in a bouncy chop and 15-17kts of breeze. Our strategy was
to get deep (to the North) and point at the Lizard - the tide looks
better in there, for a start.. and I think it gives trailing boats fewer
options to pass. As I type, we are at the Lizard, and I've just heard from on
deck that we are rolling boats further offshore... it's working!
We were very worried that the extra manpower on
With Alacrity will allow them huge gains back at the Scillies - every time
we checked they seemed to be getting closer. It now appears we are holding pace. We are light and tired. They are
heavier and presumably fresher. We are now pointing directly at
the finish... I am comfortable, at last!! Comfortable enough to write this
down anyway.. going to go upstairs and play with a spinnaker now. We
haven't slept since the Scillies - and we won't sleep till the end.
To Plymouth!
Tim
Persephone GBR 8287 0940
BST
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