Hello wind, you were only away for one day but you’ve come back with a vengeance, but before the race came last night. As mentioned in the previous blog it was Mr Edward Snowball’s 21st so what better way to celebrate it than trying to drink Infernos(a pop up club in one of the Marinas) dry of rum and coke, rum and ting, rum and anything… So Team Mongoose hit the D-Floor and a trickle of party goers headed homewards from 2am onwards.
So back to today, wind steady around 22 gusting up to 30 knots which gave the Solent a lumpy and later in the day choppy aspect. Sail choice was the main discussion, number 2 jib or number 3 – the decision was however made for us when the number 2 decided to rip 2 minutes and 10 seconds before the start – Team Mongoose leapt into action getting the no. 3 plugged in and hoisted with 15 seconds to spare – this did however mean we we’re five lengths off the line giving us a lot to do to catch up with the leaders.
Heads down, hangovers being blown away Mongoose went like a train (quoting competitors) to round the windward mark in about second or third – kite up and 11knts on boat speed, here we go. Probably not the smoothest run (a few broaches – where the boat is overpowered and basically goes on it’s side and you just hold on and try and regain control) but we powered on. Long hard beats and fast on the edge down wind legs – 4hrs and 27 seconds later we crossed the line – tired and wondering if we really needed all that rum – FYI of course we did, it’s Cowes Week.
So a good result keeping us in the hunt for the elusive Cowes Week Class win, we now have fix points after two days – with the boat in number 1 position holding four. A thank you to Tanqueray gin who from their RIB handed us two bags with gin, lime and tonic on our way in… next time some glasses as well!
In other news – tankers come and go from Southampton racing or no racing – don’t do this!
Filed under: Sailing reports Tagged: | cowes, cowes week 2011, Mongoose Stalking Prey, yacht
