Coastal classic 2012

With a forecast SW 35 gusting 45, a "disturbed westerly flow", meaning gusty, we knew we

would be at a bit of a disadvantage to the fully crewed boats regarding sail choices and

handling. And so it was, as we set off form the start, conservatively for us, but with the

wind gusting 35 already I knew we would not be able to carry our Gennaker, so we settled

into a pleasantly quick reach up the coast with our number 2 headsail and full main. Having

done that, and with the wind direction pretty stable, our tactical options were pretty

limited.

I  believe going "outside " the hen and chicks island group off Whangarei works quite well

in a SW as the wind usually heads (goes forward) across Bream Bay, and so we did and I think

it was a good call, getting some nice surfs in the waves further offshore, otherwise our

biggest event was the non-event of the sail changes... ie none. (while I was aware that if we

were fully crewed we could have pushed harder I accepted we could not play the same game

today and was philosophical) We just had to sit back and enjoy a quick ride up the coast to

Cape Brett.

As forecast as we approached Cape Brett the wind did lighten up and spoiled my dream of

racing an entire Coastal with no sail changes, But a tack change in the Bay of Islands is

just a pleasant diversion compared to so many we have done (in offshore conditions)in the

last couple of years. In fact the wind almost died on us within half a mile of the finish

and with a strong outgoing tide against us I was worried for a minute that we might get

parked up in the most frustrating position of all, off Russell in sight and sound of the

Finish. Fortunately the lightest zephur ghosted  us across the line at about 2 am.

Unfortunately this slow ending put paid to a record run for us in a Coastal classic race and

we predictably didn't rate so great against the fully crewed boats, but we Were First 2

handed boat on both line and handicap, so were very happy with that.