Hi all,
Back to report on this years Down Under Series!
Yesterday the Sydney International Regatta began. We are sailing on Course B which is down between Double Bay and Mosman. Yesterday was extremely tough sailing with the wind coming from the west initially then passing round to the NW then N and then S and then clag then S again!!!
We got off one abortive start early in the day and waited for the race committee to try to get a decent course together. We finally got off at about 2 ish on a NW course. I started down towards the boat in an initial right hand phase and got off brilliantly. I ended out infront to leeward of the fleet and was looking good. The breeze then banged back to the right and I tacked and went hammer and tong for the right but it just kept going right!!! frustrating !!! should have consolidated earlier and gone for the cross about 2 mins into the first upwind.
Rounded the top mark in terrible form with some 10 boats behind me. The breeze turned our downwind into a WSW and then we started tight reaching to the bottom mark. A soldiers course really prevented me from making much gain. Next the Southerly came through in a few puffs but did not fill for the run. A few ferries slowed up the fleet and I managed to make a huge gain by going low and made a spectacular comeback to 5th at the bottom mark. I got into phase with Mattias (Chile) and Milan (Croatia) and sailed with them to the finish. Unfortunately we went right a little early and the breeze filled from the left !!! we lost about 10 boats and I finished at 16th. This is OK but I was a little disappointed !!!
The race winners cleared out and Mike Leigh proved that being in pressure and playing conservatively wins the day by a leg in that stuff !!!
This morning I write for day 2 and so far it looks good. Building Southerly already making its presence felt here in Maroubra and I will keep everyone updated for day 2 tonight.
REGARDS,
Ash
