Royal Ocean Racing Club Rolex Fastnet Race 2001 ---------------------------------- Fastwave 2
DAY 0 - The Start
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The historic
Royal Yacht Squadron line off Cowes on the Isle
of Wight was the start for the race. Two orange
marks align as a transit to mark the line. A buoy
in the middle of the Solent bounds the line as an
Outer Distance Mark (ODM). Hundreds of spectators braved the weather to line the front, knowing full well that unlike us they'd be sipping G & T's back in the yacht clubs within 15 mins.
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Cam Geer
signals to Chris distance to the line as the
boats in Class 1 line up for the start. Ahead
Classes 2 & 3, the Maxi's and Super Zero
class boats are already away. Currently the winds are gusting to 35kts (over 40mph) and rain is severely reducing visibility in the worst weather to be seen during the race. At this point I started to wonder if I shouldn't have been heading back inside for a stiff drink back on land, not just starting a 630 mile wet and cold masochistic ordeal! Due to the wind speeds only the small No. 3 is in use. Though the No. 4 would be more suited, pressure was expected to drop after the front passed, making the slightly larger sail the tactical choice. |
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The poor visibility shows as yachts further up the Solent to the West are soon obscured from view in the mist and rain. Sub-oily wetness already approaching elbows. |