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After 6 attempts, we finally pulled it
off.
Forecast was for NW25kts gusting 35 in
afternoon
We arrived around
0930 to rain and NNW 15 kts,
rain was gone just after 1030 and we had 20kts by race
start. A bit of a glitch with the start system
(starter, operator trouble) but all got away alright, and a
MARATHON it was going to be too, wind was down the beach a
bit and meant a gruelling 20 minute climb to the 5km mark,
followed by a hair raising 6 minute return trip. Each
subsequent lap only slightly improving with wind angle and
had only come around about 5deg by the end of day, it had
mind you, come up to about 30-35
kts. From 21 starters, we only had 3
make it to 100km (course wise, that is), I gave up after
90km (97km on gps) , I was
buggered, and with the wind up around 35kts, I thought one
more 5km battle may cost me a sail! Most people got to
the 50km, with a few only making 30km & 40km and a couple
more dropping out each lap after that. A good day
overall, not too much carnage, I saw one exploded rim, one
lost mast crane and Bernard put to sea! Will we be back
next year, you bet!
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