Tuesday 26 December - Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race Start
Where Next?
Bob Williams
Wed 27 Dec 2023 21:43
Course: S Speed 1 knot
Wind: East F1
Sea: slight Swell: NE 1.5m SE 1 m
Weather: overcast, warm
I am pleased to report that we made it to the start line without any mishaps and got off to a clean start. We enjoyed a good run out the harbour keeping pace with a few of our rivals which was pleasing to see. However, once we cleared the Heads we encountered lighter winds and the expected washing machine conditions caused by the large spectator fleet. Light winds and lumpy seas are an anathema to Sylph's sailing performance and we soon found ourselves in our customary position at the back of the fleet.
But all was not lost, later in the afternoon the wind freshened slightly from the east and the lumpy seas settled somewhat. We set the code zero and Sylph accelerated to five to six knots for a while allowing us to close some of the other of the tail-enders, including our favourite competitor, Currawong.
As the night wore on, the light winds and confused seas returned, largely due to a couple of short period swells interacting with one another and we have struggled to maintain steerage way. It looks set to be a slow and challenging Sydney to Hobart.
All is well.