Today we went out in forecast 27+ knots of wind. That's quite a lot for a friendly sailing race. As it turned out we had gusts up to 38 knots.
I was thinking we might start with full sails and then reef as the wind picked up. Sensibly I was overrruled. We put in one reef in sheltered water, were nearly blown over so went for the second reef. Then we discovered that the second reef line was stuck inside the boom. Undeterred Celine secured it at the boom and with a little bit of headsail for balance we made the start line very close to the gun.
Solveig got a great start and we followed them for much of the course, almost passing them at the Goat Island mark but they called starboard on us just as we were about to round the mark. But we got them at the Birkenhead mark and never looked back.
With the sail plan we selected we were well under control, rarely in danger of broaching and only once dipped the boom in the water just at the finish line. Fortunately when Celine and I though we should let out some more jib, Jenni's reasoned voice "you're crazy" prevailed and just as well as we soon got some more big gusts.
Julie, Celine and Karen worked their butts off tacking and Jenni has a huge work out on the main. It was a well sailed race and we were very happy to come second knowing that gave us the series.
It is also good to know how well Cheshire Cat sails in those conditions.
The BSC put on a lovely Christmas lunch afterwards as well as the usual prize giving. We ended up with lots of beer and wine.
We are promised a trophy at the awards night dinner.
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