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Next weekend is our first race of the season the Myth of Malam
DATE: Saturday 25th May
COURSE: Cowes – Eddystone Lighthouse – Solent finish
DISTANCE (nm): 230 - 256
The race around Eddystone Lighthouse is typically the most popular in Rolex Fastnet years, mirroring the first 130nm miles of the season's main event.
Distance (nm): 230 - 256
The race around Eddystone Lighthouse is typically the most popular in Rolex Fastnet years, mirroring the start and first 130nm miles of the season’s main event. It provides an opportunity to practice tackling some of the main event's most perplexing tidal gates. Typically the choice is between staying inshore to reduce the effect of adverse tide, but having to negotiate rougher seas and tidal races, or staying offshore with the opportunity for clear air and a less confused sea state while accepting a greater tidal hit. In a prevailing southwesterley, the race effectively forms a big windward-leeward with the potential for a speedy run back to the finish.
Forecast winds 13-20 knots from the west so we will be beating into the winds and seas so do not expect much rest until we round the Eddystone.
I am sailing aboard Troubadour a Swan 46 part of a crew of 9. We still have a number of tasks to complete, checking equipment, electronics and safety equipment, so I plan to drive down on Thursday.
I am normally a sail trimmer for the Foresail and Spinnaker but on this race we will be using a three watch system having only three people on watch at a time. Three person on stand-by and three sleeping. Spinnaker handling usually requires all hands.
Hopefully the return leg the winds will be favourable to use the spinnaker on a steady reach, we shall see.
David Ogden (seadogs)
