EH01– 17th October 7pm
And we are off…. the start of the Middle Sea Race and what looks like a challenging light wind start, with about 2-3 knots of wind as we get the announcement of an AP. Race start postponed for a short time until enough breeze came in to get us all out of the very busy harbour. Rolling starts were not a good idea here, as we had to wait for the group ahead to clear the harbour before we could get going. Grand Harbour as always as stunning race start location, with the super yachts, cruise liners and beautiful Maltese architecture and of course the sunshine Smile.
It wasn’t the best start for EH01, upwind with the no.2 Jib we were in the back of the group but not far off our nemesis Scarlet Oyster tacking back and forth past each other through the harbour we were as always making light-hearted banter and pleasantries with the crew, but focused as always on getting ahead. Rounding the first mark outside Grand Harbour we start to progress through the pack soon catching the fleet and progressing through it, making good speed despite the lack in wind.
Lots of time for rail chat as we all try and fine a comfortable position to hike out… oh, sorry I mean uncomfortable position… as Skipper would say, are you comfortable…. well you shouldn’t be so get hiking!! Before we know it the suns coming down, the Essex jokes come out and we are all clipped on waiting for an evening of light wind shenanigans.