An unwelcome big lift arrived just as we had to tack off the Birchgrove shore
It is getting more difficult to stay at the front of the Blue fleet at Greenwich Flying Squadron. Agrovation, the Jeanneau 379 has a larger No 1 genoa and both Izzi the Northshore 38 and French Connection the Jeanneau 38 are sporting new genoas. The new Dehler 38 is a bigger faster boat and as the crew gain more experience they are picking up fastest times. Worlds Apart will be back soon and we will be lucky to score in the top three.
With more fast yachts in the fleet we are not breaking away and as a result have to contend with slowing tactics from competitors and cannot sail our preferred lines. We did manage a second fastest on Wednesday night despite some unlucky timing of wind shifts which favoured the following yachts. Once the Dehler 28 was clear in the lead we were left to fend off multiple challenges to our second fastest position most notably from French Connection who seemed mighty pleased to be giving us a scare all night.
For a second week we took Out of Africa’s stern on the way through Humbug but this week there was more room to spare and no fright night on board Out of Africa.
We had the big black genoa up and as much power as we needed so there was no time for photos. Hopefully next week we will get back into tourist mode and have some happy snaps to show.