Day 4 and 5 of Cowes Week 2024

August 1, 2024

We waited more or less the entire day for a start, but it did not happen. At 2pm we were ordered to proceed to buoy ‘Zwerver’ close to Lymington but the wind stayed below 4 knots. All races were finally abandoned.

Today started like yesterday: with no wind. But the daily weather briefing (Boj is competing in this area with Emma from the Race Committee) was promising. So after another leisurely morning, some coffees and the necessary shopping in High Street we finally headed out around midday. Again sunny skies, temperatures of over 25 degrees Celsius and an easterly wind of 10-12 knots. So it felt more like a day in the Mediterranean than Cowes Week on the Solent.

We had a difficult start on the RYS line but the first 2.4nm beat to Colette (eastern Solent) went very well. We sailed on the left of the course in deep water to make use of the tide running with us. We rounded the mark just behind Arcus.

Next came a short run and a second beat, with the wind starting to decrease to around 9 knots.

The final run down to the RORC mark and onto Gurnard was where things got really interesting. With very little wind and the tide pushing against us we had to round both marks with many other boats from different classes. One small mistake could mean a big loss for our good position. But we did a good job in keeping the boat moving and the spinnaker filled despite all the dirty air. We finally “escaped” when rounding Gurnard, on to the final beat to the RYS finish.

We were 3rd today and we’re now sitting 3rd overall. Well done in this light air, on to tomorrow for another podium finish!