It was windy to start the race and then a small front came thru, some reckon 45k. I was under tow when the worst hit - having capsized before the start - broad reach situation about 4mins before start. Could not right the boat - received help - and then towed to Bellerive Beach - to join the others washed ashore there. It was a bit horrible for a while. Many capsized when the front came through. Some managed to sail home or to Bellerive Beach. The guys and girls on the rescue boats did a fantastic job.
During the worst, some sailors sat on their upturned hulls, to wait it out. Bugga - I had trouble getting onto my hull even before it had hit. I was pretty cold after being in the water, despite being rugged up.
I have not been wearing the drysuit as the race session is a bit long - I need to do a pee - and cannot do so in the drysuit. Jenny Dixon and I have come up with a solution - I could wear a continence pad!!! MMM!!! Many chuckles.
Tomorrow we have an alteration to sailing instructions, there will be a 10.00am start - there is talk we will do three races back-to-back to finish the series.
Early night for everyone.
PS One boat sustained damage to their centrecase, but apart from that nil breakages are known. Says a lot for the boats and class.
PSS Here is a link to pictures taken 31 December - on water http://ianjeanneret.zenfolio.com/sabre2009
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Thank heavens everyone is safe and minimum damage, hats off to the rescue crews for getting everyone home safely, and yes it does say a lot for the boats and class. The temp. was only 17 to 18 going by the forecast, the water would have been very cold, not a very pleasant experience for you,I guess the big regatta would have been cancelled also. Continence pads! I've heard everything now, perhaps a comfort funnel with a plug might help, would have to be made of soft pliable rubber lol, say hello to Jenny for me. Wow 3 races back to back is a big ask after a week of heavy weather, hope the wind dies down and you get it all in, everyone will be stuffed, all the best for the races tomorrow hope it is smooth sailing for you. I will look at pics when I get up in the morning, have only just got home from a 21st party. Keep safe.
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