Race day dawned, with beautiful clear skies and
the promise of an uncomplicated day on the water...Just dreamin!!!
There were 12 yachts heading for the start line
our usual competition ..
some pretty mono hulls
our old favourite
some bold colours
and finally a start boat with flags!
Restless had a nice rear view ,
there were teams of PCSC sailors
The Doctor was fully equipped
looking smooth..
There were yachts from CCYC too!!
amongst us !!
Northern Moment
Escapade
Spirited Away ... way, way , away
Yes, that weather was looking just perfect!
Bodicea
All looking forward to a nice little race around the islands
busy people
smiling faces
settling into race mode
two by two
crews at work
Skippers planning ahead
a scenic cruise
Spinnakers hoisted
teams on the run
Job done ....
it was all looking pretty good ...
but after all ... this is yacht racing ,
Naturally , the weather turned full circle, the skies went grey,
the wind blew stronger, the tide turned, one or two retired,
there were gear issues amongst the fleet .. everyone dealt with it ...
everyone was wet, but still smiling
it was a washing machine of waves, wind and water
but we can handle anything!
... and then just after I finished the radio sched
with everyone in the cockpit , sheltering from the weather,
there was an almighty bang,
and the entire rig fell down!!!
and it was into 'save what we could ' mode
drop the anchor, check the hulls
call the coast guard,
can't save the mast and headsail, got the main
marked the spot
and this weeks project?
Try and find the mast if we can !
...did I mention it was a perfect start?
