RTIR DIRE

[Pinnacle]

I have contemplating trying to find a reaching sail of some sort. We can also use the symetrical kite up to 80 degs AWA in light winds, so will probably stick with that.

Ok. Best of luck!

 

[l'escargot]

I'm not a local but as far as I understand it the tide will be with the fleet heading to the Needles (until 11ish) so it would make sense to get the boats away and let the tide take them down there, hoping they get round before it turns. Have I got that right?

The problem is having 1600 becalmed boats congregated in the starting area, trying to manoeuvre to make the line for their particular start and then clear the start line, for all the various starts from 6.30 onwards - there are 11 starts, one every 10 minutes, over roughly a one and half hour period.

 

[Iain C]

If they AP it, it's race over for many boats in the later starts as they won't get round the Needles.

Agreed. That would be a very brave call from the PRO. Plus a very late finish...not good.

 

[Talulah]

Do you get your entry fee back if you cancel before race day?
(Not a contestant myself.)
Just thinking perhaps this could be some competitors best option if they do get a refund.
I have in the past been DNF before we even got to the Needles. Tide turning against before we had drifted Westwards far enough.

 

[Bobc]

Oooh yuk.

View attachment 43395

 

[st599]

The problem is having 1600 becalmed boats congregated in the starting area, trying to manoeuvre to make the line for their particular start and then clear the start line, for all the various starts from 6.30 onwards - there are 11 starts, one every 10 minutes, over roughly a one and half hour period.

They'll be there anyway as most boats arrive at around the time of the first start. Get them moving and there's fewer problems

 

[l'escargot]

They'll be there anyway as most boats arrive at around the time of the first start. Get them moving and there's fewer problems

I know, that's why I said "...1600 becalmed boats congregated in the starting area...". Getting them moving could be the problem...

 

[stranded]

With the settled weather patterns as they are, I guess there is very little chance of a significant improvement now? I ask because I have two crew coming over from Holland tonight specially for the race and I should probably give them the option to bale. Though from my perspective a 15 hour piss up doesn't sound all that bad. Do we hang our fenders out? Mark

 

[PhillM]

This is our first attempt. I've done so much prep - working on various things after every night this week. Ive even dry sailed the course a couple of times to see how the time and tides might work out. Anal I know!

I figure that with my small, old, heavy boat with white sails only, if we don't make it past the needles by 11.45 its game over.

If we do, we can drift round on the tide and just about make it before the 10 p.m. finish. Again, we have to catch the tide at Bembridge at the right time.

Does that sound right, or am I being optimistic?

 

[Martin_J]

That's about right.. Catch every little wind shift.. every second made up towards the needles might just get you around.. Good luck

 

[Iain C]

Hmm. Met Office forecast which was saying "7 gusting 17" for most of the course yesterday is now saying "7". That's not good...

 

[Allergy]

Have you got a cruising chute I can borrow ???

Yes, you can hire mine at a very reasonably rate(for me anyway):encouragement:

 

[Keen_Ed]

At least it's forecast to be Westerly.