With main out full, the outhaul off, halyard slack and back stay loose. We’re now set to run or gibe and cover all our friendly foes. To run or reach and where’s the tide? What will the other skippers do? Now is the time we must decide. Or ground we gained we soon can lose. […]

“Bare off, bare off.” The sheets were eased, as the Weather mark flashed by. “Ready for the Spinnaker?”  The answer came back, “aye”. So they hauled on the halyard and the chute popped out the bag, to fall into the water as the shackle hit a snag. “God damn you stupid bastards,” yelled the skipper […]

The boats about us beating are eager for the fray. As bow-to-bow we cleave the waves that march across the bay. We have a good position, to windward of the fleet but gradually the faster boats edge up and past us creep.   “Get up, Get up” they call to us, our tell tales all […]