First night

The start was wonderful, with many spectator boats and a crowd on the
shore. In stead of the expected NE winds, we had light headwinds with
strong effects from the land. Very tacktical. I was happy to see that I
could stay with the pack in class 4 in these conditions. Home of Jazz is
the smallest boat in its class. During the night the wind started to
turn to notherly directions. I hoisted the small gennaker, to anticipate
for the stronger winds in the forecast. The gennaker could stay up until
04.15 when I broached repeatedly. Now in about 20 kts and .. rain, so I
will take another quick 20 minute nap. All well on board Home of Jazz

Last preparations

Today I started with a list of works on the boat, before going to the Race Briefing at the RCYC and the weather briefing. The weather is just unbelieveable: winds from the north for the next days. So far I have only seen headwinds, so this is a major change for me.
My right ankle has suddenly swollen. I fell down a few days ago while sailing. Bartel on Woofies Toys is a docter and has taken a look at it. e wasn't looking too happy, so now I am a bit worried how this will develop.

Falmouth

After repairing the broken mainsail car in Dartmouth, I had a good night sleep and left in the morning for Falmouth. The wind died out but picked upagain later from the NW, finally, and I came in before dark.
Today provisioning, tomorrow work on the boat. And tonight the welcome dinner, where I will meet many friends and other sailors. Really looking forward to that.

main sail car

yesterday i broke one of the cars of the main. Pulled into Dartmouth . Now repaired and on my way again.

Towards Start Point

After leaving Dover in mist I had a slow start. Beating to
Dungeness, Beachy Head, past Brighton. The NW-erlies appeared at the
right time. Last night I passed St Catherines point in 30kts. Today it
is beautiful upwind sailing towards Start Point. Tomorrow I will arrive
in Falmouth. All well on board Home of Jazz.

MEANWHLE IN DOVER

As you may have noticed it is not easy to get from Holland to Falmouth. SW-erlies all the time and a bit rough too. I fell down in the cabin and crushed one of cabin lockers. Yesterday I repaired this damage in Dover where I am still waiting for the force 7 to calm down a bit. Tomorrow conditions look good for the leg to Falmouth.

VANDAL RACING IN HOLLAND

Some footage of the pre start of the 50 miles race in lelystad. VQ32 Vandal sailed by Leslie Irvine and Dick Koopmans.