While several of the south coast LSC boats enjoyed a gentle Easter progression around the Solent, Juno had signed up for three days of inshore racing in the RORC Easter Challenge.

This regatta, which started 20 years ago, is specifically organised as a training event, with the usual RRS rule banning outside assistance suspended, and with on water coaching and advice from teams of experts and sail makers driving around in ribs. Juno had signed up for specific attention, so we were hoping not to embarass ourselves too much, on film at least.

Milling around before the start of the first race on Friday we were approached by a North rib who said they would be our advisers on sail trim for the weekend - and immediately pointed out a couple of improvements. Happily their level of input declined over the weekend - so perhaps we learnt a little.

A great feature of the weekend is the post race video de-briefing by Jim Saltonstal (a past LSC guest speaker). Jim's devotion to training his racing "ferrets" is world renowned and it was a privilege to hear his hints and tips. We had it seems considered two of the key issues - but neglected to think about the other three. But at least we know now how to judge how much the sea breeze may develop/bend the gradient wind.

Saturday morning brought a three hour postponment due to lack of wind - so another Jim masterclass was organised instead. After racing in the afternoon and the debrief later that day we repaired to the Royal Corinthian YC (dress code an admirably concise "no shorts") on a balmy evening to view the prizegiving (Easter Eggs) and partake of the (generously served) buffet supper. After closing the evening at the Red Duster some tired but happy bunnies finally went to bed.

Sunday morning brought an expression of hope from the race officer that he might just get one race in - as it happens we were treated to two albeit short ones - though at wind speeds somewhat below the desired 8 knots to get Juno really going.

As there was no official de-brief on the final day we conducted our own on the way home to the Hamble. With a number of useful lessons learned over the weekend we all felt it had been very worthwhile and a useful further step in bedding down this year's crew. Next stop - Le Havre.

For a gallery of photos from the event click here (opens in a new window/tab)