Thursday 20th June

The morning was miserable. Leaden skies and grey seas and an 8:30 start. The wind was directly behind and we tried running with both foresails. That was ok but caused the genoa to chafe as it bent a stanchion at the bow. More expense. So out came the Parasail which looked magnificent except we lost the snuffing line which was whistling in the breeze. Down came the Parasail and it dragged in the water behind us like soggy bloomers. Eventually we rounded the headland and the wind gusted to 40 knots. At last in a full on force 8 everything was great. And then we crossed the line, second again out of two; a podium place. Time for a G&T and early night.