Solent 650

It's time to go sailing!

Just two weeks ago the Academy's Mini was splashing about in Mediterranean waters, competing in two Italian Mini races, and sailing over 1000nm as Nikki completed her qualifying passage for this year's Transat. 

 

Bit of help from Dad with the towing...

 

What's in this bag?

Now back in the UK, the boat is all ready for the first UK Mini race of the season; the Solent 650.
Last week, before I headed off for a Haute Route training camp (road cycling), We got the boat launched and the rig up, in record time.

 

Checking all equipment onboard  

The race starts from Lymington, heading East out of the Solent round the Isle of Wight, then on to the Needles Fairway, a buoy off Poole, Wolfe Rock (off Land's End) and then finishing in Plymouth. The course is 290 nm and in good sailing conditions would take just under three days. However, the forecast is looking very light for race day; a mere 6 knots from the south, building to around 8 knots from the SSW. We will most likely be becalmed over night as we make our way towards Poole and then onto Weymouth, with just 3 knots forecast for the early hours on Monday. Predominantly blowing from the SSE at less than 8 knots will make for a slow race, but it should mean we can get the big sails up to hold a more reachy course- better than having to sail upwind!

It will be a tactical race with tidal gates to make, and with the light winds mistakes will lead to big losses on the race course. There are a good number of boats entered- although small compared to the French races. I am pleased to say that the double handed entry is going ahead, with four entries (two British boats, one Canadian and one French). The usual UK Mini sailors are present- Pip Hare, Jake Jefferies, and hopefully Luke Dampier will also make it down in time.

Having not sailed the boat since February, where I made it out to France for just one weekend, I am really looking forward to getting back out on the water; particularly as this will be my first ever Classe Mini race. Tonight I will compete in the club race with Ollie Bond, who is down to help with the measurement process.

In terms of accommodation  I have moved out of the van (which Nikki and I both slept in while in Italy!), choosing the boat instead as there is a bit more natural light and air in there... with two sleeping bags it is toasty and warm.

 

On Friday we will have a nice British flag pasted onto the hull of the boat, with an inspection from Classe Mini. With a new VHF aerial and GPS receiver fitted the boat is in top notch condition; Nikki has not yet suffered any problems with the new NKE autopilot and instruments, so fingers crossed, everything should be fine.