Waited for the cross-shore; Hobie 14; Pacific as crew; Hobie 14. The Hobie 14 is a witch that should be burnt. It only wishes to be in irons or upside down. Therefore, when you do extract a screaming reach, it is highly satisfying. Gratifyingly, I sailed it without a capsize. […]
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Wildwind day 4: peace persists
A steady force 2 all day. A touch dull. Practice races all day of one lap, windward leeward. Far too small for a Tiger, but not a bad way to get practice starts. Mostly won, although humilated by a Hobie 16 (no gennaker) helmed by an Olympian. Cross-shore tomorrow I […]
Read MorePeace returns
It’s the morning and Vasiliki returns to normal. A zephyr blows in from the bay and the sun blazes down. Bodes well for a useful cross-shore breeze later.
Read MoreBoat choice
Monohulls can be ruled out. They are either too boring or too unstable. Rule 1. The Fox – Formula 20 – is too much unless you need it to support crew weight. So rule 2 is don’t overreach yourself. (Never tried a Tornado, but they have the advantage of a […]
Read MoreBrutal wind sweeping through
Despite the sun setting, the wind has increased: it’s now brutal through here. The trees are absolutely roaring. Really wouldn’t mind this easing overnight.
Read MoreWildwind day 3: particularly wild
Took Beth around the island in this misfiring Suzuki: high around the mountain and into Nidri for lunch. Had a short powerslide in a few moments when it was running sweetly. A testament to the lack of grip on these Greek roads. Scenery beautiful throughout with endless twisting mountain roads. […]
Read MoreWildwind day 2
Hired a Suzuki Vitara (it’s a total lemon), relaxed with a book and waited for the cross-shore breeze to kick in: one of the cool kids now? The wind duly arrived at 14:30. Took a Pacific 18 – like a Tiger, but simpler and a little heavier – and hooned […]
Read MoreA satisfactory day at Wildwind
Minced about in the morning on an FX One in light winds. Then the promised “cross-shore” breeze kicked in on schedule at 15:15 with a perfect force 4-5. Absolutely screamed to and fro in the FX One, hull out, trapezing at the very back of the boat. And no pitchpoles: […]
Read MoreComing up
Skydiving, if ever the weather improves A trip home to Cornwall (with a local skydive?) Northolt Summer Ball Week off: skydiving, motorcycling and a spa day :-/ Fast cat sailing at Wildwind, Greece
Read MoreA perfect close reach in a Top Cat 18
Turkey 2004. My old mate shows me how it’s done on his first catamaran helming trip.
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