Having missed the first fast cruise due to an excursion to Majorca I was determined to join in the second of the series if at all possible. The two pre-requisites having been met (no strong winds due to my metal hip concerns and repairs complete to furling gear, spinnaker, snuffer and batteries), Ronhilda duly set off from Chichester Marina on Saturday morning with Andy C, Patrick M, Charlie Q, Stephen L and Jill M as crew. I was pleased to see very little swell on the bar so with plenty of water we cut off the outer dolphin and headed straight to the start line. Several others could be seen with spinnakers up so we also had a little practise before charging up to the line with spinnaker set at 11am. Well, that was the plan, what actually happened was the wind shifted south and dropped, we had to move the pole over and crossed the line at a stately 3kt boat speed with wind a fickle 180 aft into a gathering spring tide at exactly 1110. Still we were not the last over line by any means.

Two tactics could be seen by the leaders, Day at the Races went south into the stronger tide but perhaps better wind whilst Arvika went north. It seemed Robin had the faster plan as he was see rounding the first mark first and shot off back into the Solent with most us still going slowly downwind. To rub it in we lost time in getting the spinnaker down but were cheered up by the beat towards and faster speeds to the fourth mark Saddle. A Brittany Ferry nicely timed its entrance to avoid me having to alter course and we were away on the beats towards North Sturbridge and Browndown.

Were we catching the leaders up? Yes but it became apparent this was due to the wind in the Solent getting lighter and lighter. By the time we had gone around Ryde Middle we were virtually drifting down towards Peel with tide only. Day at the Races and Arvika could be seen returning downwind with flopping sails. We just made Peel before the flood tide turned, and then set!! the spinnaker again. 1.5 knots of true wind got us 1.1 knot of boat speed so it was a slow business back towards Mother Bank.

Don had scratched the final triangle even before the race started so once past Mother we just had to head to N Sturbridge and the finish at Saddle. However we were concerned about black clouds over Fawley and the refinery smoke had changed direction and was no longer vertical, so some wind was in the area. Agreement was reached that with Ronhilda’s handicap we were probably last by a factor of some hours on corrected time so it was decided to drop the spinnaker keep it dry and drift along on the tide under genny until the wind came.

The wind and rain did indeed come and we had a last blast to Saddle. As it was still raining, we, along with everybody else made haste to Haslar Marina where places had been reserved alongside Mary Mouse 2. Although a cold north wind had set in the pontoon party was soon in full swing with many tales of daring do. An excellent meal was laid on by the Mary Mouse, fare was simple but plentiful.

I understand partying went on into the small hours but your scribe retired early to his bunk for his beauty sleep. Next morning came with the use of the excellent showers, and a young lady informing us of a very generous discount for mooring, my cheapest UK overnight stay for some years. Ronhilda then decided to sulk and the glow plug relay failed. A quick check with the ships voltmeter confirmed no volts where volts should be. A jumper wire was quickly made up from battery positive to glow plugs common terminal which got the engine cylinders hot enough to start.

No complaint about the relay as it is 24 years old. Ford wants £116 for a new one but eBay has come up trumps with £17. Internet does have its uses when I can work out how to use it I suppose.

So onwards to the December FC.