After taking a step back from my sailing campaign to re-focus on my career in communications I thought it fitting to revisit some writing for a competition I raced in at the end of April with team Crhu.
17 boats hit the water of the Firth of Forth for a seven race shoot out in the 707 Edinburgh Cup over two days.
The weekend was a few degrees off champagne sailing conditions with 15-20 knots of breeze and sunshine all weekend.
Our race area was Inverkiething Bay, a short sail from Port Edgar Marina under the Forth bridges. The first of four races on day one saw us battle at the front of the fleet. It was five time reigning national champions, Seaword, who ultimately came out on top. We finished behind them in second.
Race two was a similar one. This time a battle with both Seaword and Hartlepool based boat, Sharky. Sharky showed their blistering pace in the heavy winds and took a convincing win with us behind in second place. Seaword followed in third.
Race three was made easier for us with the fleet staying timid on the start line. We punched ahead at the start-gun and it payed. We extended for the rest of the race and finished in first place.
Race four was one of the closest of the weekend with the experienced crew of local legends, Mojito showing the fleet some finesse in their upwind sailing style. It came down to the very last leg where we etched even with them. We made a final push at the right moment to take first place by a matter of inches on the line. One to remember and a great way to finish day one. Leading overnight with a nine point cushion.
Day two left three races remaining in yet more sunshine and punchy breeze. Race five saw another two boat battle with Seaword. It was nip and tuck all race and even on the second to last leg. Eventually it was Seaword who took line honours after a well executed, inch perfect cross in front of our bow at the bottom mark. We took second place.
The remaining two races were the windiest of the regatta. A few mistakes in the form of a lost winch handle and a twisted spinnaker made things tough.
However, the crew managed it well - ultimately keeping us upright in the breeze and our sails intact. The same can’t be said for the rest of the fleet… some seriously impressive wipeouts.
The calm and cautious approach to the two remaining races saw us finish the event with two more race wins.
A great way to end the event.
An even better way to start the season.
