Well we have finally left! And what a departure it was. Perfect weather, light winds and a few puffy clouds. A certain amount of good natured chaos as 98 boats all tried to cast off at the same time. The boats remaining behind to do the
‘normal’ ARC did a fine job of waving and cheering us all off, and those who had big swanky air horns tooted away wildly. The harbour walls were also lined with well wishers shouting good luck and farewell greetings.
We hoisted our main in the outer harbour fearing that there might be a big swell outside and windy, but in the event the sea was smooth and wind very light. We decided to approach the down wind line on starboard gybe and james let me steer. I am afraid
to say that the competitive streak came out immediately and we managed to gybe immediately after the start at the port end, and though I say it myself, make a very tidy start setting off towards Africa with a small number of other keenos. The forecast had
been for rather more wind so we had left the cruising chute in its looker but it soon became apparent that we really needed it, so James set to and rigged up the multitude of lines required to get it flying. Eventually we got it up and we were back in the
hunt, speed went from about 4kts up towards 6 immediately. The afternoon past with little excitement except that we passed our neighbours from the marina on the large catamaran “Moose” twice, and took photographs of each other which should be nice momento.
By about 5pm the wind had filled in to about 15kts and we were flying, but not in the right direction so knowing that our spinnaker cloth was 24 years old discretion seemed the better part of valour so we took down the chute and unrolled and poled out
the Genoa maintaining a a brisk 6.5-7kts in great comfort.
As I write the sun is setting on a perfect first day, and supper is on the stove. All is well on the good ship Wild Goose!