J24 Blog

The wind returned with 15-18 knots and three races in at the 2008 J24 Worlds, sailed in the Gulf of Arzechena. Pete Ramsdale reports:

The forecast was for 10 knots – the RC wanted to run three races so an early start. Wind started at 12 knots and built from there. We went with genoa for race 1 with the rig set for 10 knots – mistake! The breeze was a solid 15-18 and we really struggled in the gusts – couldn’t keep the boat flat and slowly but surely dropped behind the main pack.

Race 2 and wound the rig on a bit tighter, but stuck with the genoa. Went right which was ok, but again we were going sideways in the chop and the blasts off the hills. Changed to jib on the next downwind and that helped. Had a horror show with the spin on the last downwind and droped to the back of the pack – madde up a boat or 2 before the finish. At least one boat was on its side that race!

Last race – genoa of the line, and again struggled a bit up the right side. Again changed to jib as Becky spotted a large black cloud coming off the shore. Next 2 legs made gains on boats around us, and then a final upwind to the finish.

Very tired crew haeded to a bar for sustenance – what a tiring day!
Two more races in the forecaxst 20+ knots tomorrow.

Provisional results here.