Rags

From onboard one of the all time classics, Ragtime, on their tour Down Under…

The Fusion Round White Island Ocean Race started off the Akarana Yacht Club, Friday night, 7:00 PM at the end of a large pier. Close in quarters with one end of the starting area a seawall. Got off the line OK,  not great but it is a little harder with the strong incoming tide, a short, steeply angled line favoring a “land” start, and a few new crew members. Besides our race, Friday night beercans were underway in the harbor, and a crowd of boats out. After the start, winded out through a heap (look at me speak Kiwi) of islands on the way out to the headlands that form the eastern boundary of the Hauraki Gulf. Very scenic, and we had a good getaway avoiding the incoming tide and putting some distance on faster boats.

 

About to round White Island 7:30 PM Sat NZ time (10:30 Pacific Friday night). Had a tough night, 18-25 knots upwind the whole way and confused seas – classic “not Ragtime’s deal” and a lot of slamming, no sleep. #3 Jib, reefed main. Rain. Very warm, thanks to Gill outfit, sweats, and Henry Lloyd boots (thanks for those Hubie). First time in the full getup since I got the boat and it was surprisingly nice (after being soaked on the Coastal Classic it was time for good gear).