In the 12 weeks since the last post life has been hectic.
It did not help that I caught Covid which fact kept friends and helpers away for a couple of weeks. I was unwell for only a few days but the positive test results persisted for a lot longer. Once the tests turned negative I had a lot of help from friends and suppliers in a rush to be ready for the crane to lift her out on 1st July.
Without a lot of help the task would have been impossible but by the day prior to the crane out all the skin fittings, bilge pump lines fuel lines were finished. As a bonus we ran the engine for a few minutes to clear the fuel lines and ensure a start on the splash day.
Life was less hectic while the yacht was at Woolwich Dock for the keel fitting and antifouling. Due to changes in occupational health requirements since I launchedPassion X it was not possible to do all the work I had planned. Instead I had to contract out more work to the professionals while still keeping a keen eye on the fitting and tolerances. I was able to fit the drive shaft and stern tube bearings with help from the contractors. When at the last moment the Edson radial wheel arrived the yard helped me install the radial wheel and connect the already mounted linear drive. This left the installation of the rudder position indicator to be finished after the launch.
The yard did an outstanding job sanding the Interprotect coating in preparation for a fresh tie coat and many layers of antifouling. By a happy accident the antifouling finished a deeper grey than planned but this went so well with the red stripe that I will keep this colour scheme.
We celebtated the launch at the Dock with a morning coffee before heading off to the mooring for the weekend.
The next day was a Saturday and I spent the day at the riggers yard preparing the mast sections for joining. That joining event was delayed a few days due to other demands at the riggers and so it was mid the next week before the keel was stepped. This delay allowed me to progress the interior in parallel with preparing the mast.
By the end of the week we had the mast installed, the boom connected and the boom bag and mainsail on the boom. A missing vang fitting caused a bit of anxiety particularly as it was lost in the post and a second one had to be sent.
When the vang fitting and a replacement boom end arrived I was able to complete the fig installation and prepare for a trial sail on 12th august. That sail was a non event due to absence of wind but we did get to see the sails hoisted.
The first sail was Wednesday 14th August but the wind was so light the race was shortened to finish just after the first mark. While not a good test we were happy with our speed in such light condition and did finish second fastest in a tiny fleet as most crews avoided the wet windless conditions.
I rested on Thursday. This was my first day off of the boat for many weeks and I enjoyed a casual day with Elaine having coffee and planning next steps.
The delays in the rigging were a blessing in disguise as I was able to progress the interior in a less frentic mode. With help from friends the fridge evaporator was installed in the freezer box allowing the final element of the freezer box to be glued in place and the gaps in the element bogged up for a smooth interior finish. The last bit of help was to mount the stove a day ahead of the final gas fitting inspection. So Monday 12th we fitted the stove and measured the stainless steel surrounds. On Tuesday the 13th we had the final gas fitting inspection and fitted the stainless steel surrounds and on Wednesday 14th we had our first race with hot coffee, hot water and cold Champagne.
After my day of rest I fitted the galley drawers, the compressor access door, the bow anchor roller, the gas lift vang and lots of fiddly finishing touches.
Today the 21st August we had our first real race in winds that reached 24 knots. From the start we took off and lead the fleet. Passion X was always fast on the broad downwind reach but this was another level. By the mark at the Heads we had a four minute gap on the fleet having hit 10 knots GPS speed. The next leg was a single board tight on the wind to Steele Pont where we managed 7.1 knots to windward.
The next windward leg was not as speedy with possible caused being pointing too high or more likely exceeding the wind range of the rather full in the head mainsail. The new mast is much stiffer than Passion X and the crane effect of the backstay above the forestay is also much less so the top bends less. I am certain that a few centimeters out of the top luff round will correct the problem but will give it a few sails to confirm the diagnosis.
I am confident there are a couple more minutes to be gained with this fine tuning but want to experience some mid range winds, not the extremes of the last two weeks.
Please have a look at my facebook page David Edmiston for pictures of the build