I hadn't helmed in a "A" race since the unfortunate accident in February, which meant a trip to Ben Dingwall to repair a significant hole in the bow. As well as damaging the boat, the incident hit my confidence hard.
When I did feel able to get back in the water, my good friend Lesley Kaye let me crew for her. But 19th was the day to re-rig my own boat and take the helm myself.
I had been contacted by Sophie Blanchard, who is rapidly gaining a reputation as a winning crew, having taken the front seat in a number of boats who have crossed the finishing line first. So I was honoured when she asked if she could crew for me, although we had not sailed together beforehand.
The conditions were ideal for me: 11 to 15 knots, so good hyking conditions without being too physical. The wind was Easterly, and I had previously been told by Roger Walton that the advantageous side of the course would be the Southern shore. So that formed the basis of our strategy. I also sailed the boat a lot "looser" than previously (less kicker, out haul or Cunningham). And I knew that the two of us could coordinate some good roll-tacks.
We had a reasonable start (maybe fifth across the line) and chased after Steve Cooper and others. Mindful of the advice, we stayed on the right side of the course longer than most, and were among the first three at the windward mark. Continuing to apply the same tactics, we were in the lead by the end of the first lap, and were able to grow the gap during the next few legs.
The challenge for me in these circumstances is a tendency to panic and lose concentration. Sophie was reminding me to "breathe" and help retain focus.
The third lap saw Andy Wadsworth catch up and overtake us during a poor mark rounding. We fought back, and were just ahead until the final mark, when a decision to tack opened up a window for Andy to beat us to the finish line.
It was a tense few moments as we inched the boat ahead and just crossed the line first.
It was the first time I had won an "A" race. I admit responsibility for the high pitched yell that was probably heard throughout the Welsh Harp!
Sophie took over the helm for her race. Her objective was to gain another "first", so that she could seal the "B" series, which only had a couple more races. To be honest, I was not fully focused, so we ended up 4th or 5th. Not bad, but a bit disappointing for her as far as the series is concerned.
Nevertheless, Sophie has reinforced her reputation as the "winning crew".
And I took the family out to celebrate that evening.
Very encouraged, and a very big thank you to Sophie as the crew.
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Boat specs:
Manufacture: SpeedSails GRP
Sails: P&B Mylar
Tension: 400lbs
Mast rake: 21'9.5"
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