All systems working properly

Sarah & I took out 13941 for Saturday Racing yesterday.

Everything worked properly.

The day started with a single-handed check-out. The boat seemed very well balanced, and ready to go.

I helmed the first race, and we took our normal place near the back of the fleet. My objective these days is to learn as much as possible about how to race the GP14. The fact that I have such an objective is proof that I am now comfortable with the boat.

We made some progress through the race, lost a few positions, and gained a few. I think we were 4 or 5 boats from the end. Lots to learn.

Sarah then helmed the second race. We had a difficult start - the line was quite short, so we were behind the line at the start, then tacked to port, ducked the fleet and found ourself in a lifting tack on the right hand side of the course.

My crewing let us down at least once - we were leading some boats out of a mark rounding and I got her to tack in front of another boat. We had to do turns, which left us as the back of the fleet. Then things got interesting.

At this point, Sarah did really well - probably the best helming ever. We systematically overtook at least 4 other boats to claw ourselves back into the race. Pride was restored.

And, at the end of the day, there was no water inside the boat.

We are ready for the new year.

Now, where was that copy of  Start to Win.... ?