CIBSE Charity Solent pursuit race

 

Just thought I would share our first race experience with you all.

We collected are new 37 Wednesday had no time for a test sail. We went back to Hamble point to collect her on Saturday as we had entered into a 3 hour pursuit race. This would be the first time the sails were to be hoisted in anger so up they went with a thorough check as we went along.

We received our sailing instructions and was a little disappointed to read that it was a white sails only however, we was glad of the decision when we stuck our noses out of the berth to discover it blowing old boots 26 knots true. Then we read the Royal Southampton YC handicap ratings. The race was a 3HR pursuit race and we had to give a Bavaria 36 a 14 min head start but we received a 1 min concession from a 37 Grand Soliel amongst the other entries was the RSYC's commodores 45 Sun Odyssey.

I am pleased to report after a challenging 3 hours in good testing conditions for both crew and brand new boat we crossed the line in first, 15 seconds in front of the second boat which was the Bavaria 36.

 The first 2/3's of the race was reaches and fetches so we managed to carry full main and the self tacker the last 1/3 was a true beat so we tucked 2 reefs in the main and I am happy to report how well she coped with the blustery conditions not to mention how well she pointed.

 To say I am please with our new addition to the family is an understatement. Then again it should not be such a surprise her sailing ability etc, as this is Hanse no2 we have owned. 

 A great big thank you yet again to the guys at Hamble especially Gerry for getting her out of the box and putting her together in a professional manner and more importantly it all worked as it should, what a baptism of fire she had a testament to Gerry and all the guys methodical and professional approach. 

 

Paul