A very different end to the year…

Sorry for the large gap since our last post, we have had a very different time of late.

 In October, Rob and competed in our 5^th Coastal Classic race. The race was remarkably uneventful, except for a front that passed over us between the Hen and Chickens. I was lucky enough to drive as the burst of wind was with us, the rest of the race was light, and we finished in the daylight a first for us. We finished 5^th in our division, then enjoyed a relaxed trip down the coast, including a walk to the Tutukaka light.

 

 

After the coastal we completed race 3 of the Gold Cup. We sailed this race with just the 2 of us and spent some time using the auto pilot on various points of sail including tight two sail reaching and on the wind. We also spent time sailing outside our sail chart zones for each sail, to see the effects on speed.

 

Since that time I have been away with work, spending a month 110nm north of Townsville completing a science trial. Rob has been busy sailing completing a frustratingly slow and light White Island race, as well as a series of 2 handed races at Weti with his friend Chris Labb. I am very thankful to Chris being able to sail.

 

Whilst I was away Rob and I received the sad news of the passing of Mike Hollis (aka Mr Bean). Mike has supported of our sailing program for the last few years, as well a good friend of mine. In 2012, his kind support in fitting our alternator on the day before the Round New Zealand race, enabled us to get to the start line and complete the race. Mike will be sorely missed.

In six weeks we will race Round the North Island, leaving Auckland on February 8^th. We have a final training event on January 31^st. Our preparation is going well; we both are heading away cruising, and then will spend the final weekends getting the finishing touches sorted.

 I have also updated our website, so have a look at the new information that is there, I will be adding to it over the coming weeks, and have a couple of technical posts almost ready.

At this time of year I would like to thank everyone who has helped us out this year, especially Neil and Trish for their support this year.

Happy Holidays .....