The weather was spot on for a sail around the cans. Winds predicted to be 13-17knts from NW. Not a problem for the Eye Spy crew as we are 5 up today. Yep well…………lets go with three. The wind has also increased by the time we get out to Eye Spy.

We decide on No.2 headsail and full main. Freezer on, music on and motor down towards Taikata. Boats are streaming out of the marina. Looks like a great turnout. Our start is well after the other 88s as they have declared two handed – no extras. Puts them 5 minutes in front! We decide not to fly extras as the enthusiasm may not match the number of bums on Eye Spy today.

The wind increases and things are getting a bit willing. We decide to quickly throw a reef in the main.

We do a reasonable start along side Crucial fix. The course is 3 x round Meola………pretty much windward leeward. At times we could gull wing but the wind was pretty shifty so pleased we were not running a kite at times however, was envious of the big blue kite on Firsty. Looked great guys!

As the course had the fleet on converging paths, I needed someone on the leeward side calling the other boats. Meant we lacked bums on the rail but still had time for refreshments on the way. We and the Stewart 34 got put about by the veeeery large Champosa on the run to the line in about 24 knts breeze which put us a little higher on the finish than intended. We beat the 34 in a drag race then pipped Wild Horses on the line. So we had a few boats behind us but none were HYC boats so, we come in sixth from six. Best we get the hull cleaned eh.

Didn’t want to show our hand prior to the “Golden Rivet”. Plenty of excuses but at the end of the day we have room for improvement.

A great couple of hours on the water.

Many thanks to CCYC start vessel and committee for allowing HYC to start with them.

Thanks to my crew Lisa and JK.