Mini-Fastnet regatta

June 20th, 2007

As the Mini Fastnet race was postponed, the organizers (on a request of Yves Le Blevec), wishing to entertain two hundred of wandering sailors, came up with the idea to organize Speed Race on the waters of the Bay of Douarnenez. Forecasted wind strength were to reach 25 kt, so we decided to participate. This wasn't an official race but fun.

The formula of Speed Race is quite simple. Start, 3 miles on broad reach, around the buoy, 3 miles back and finish. Before the race each sailor has to confirm his participation through VHF and then receives 5 minutes for start. There are no other rules.

Unfortunately, the wind was weaker then forecasted and we set the wrong sail. We were not as fast as the competition on a broad reach, so we could forget about a good result. When we were crossing the finishing line the jurors were waving to us rising friendly their thumbs.

Till the end of given time there were about 40 minutes - too little for us to start once more. Nevertheless, we decide to do it and set up "Formula" sail. As the wind was getting weaker and weaker, we resigned from the second trial and went ahead as fast as it was possible in order to record some good material. Nothing special happened.

We were a bit disappointed getting back to the marina. We were not even willing to check the results. Two hours later I got to know that we were on the 4th place from the very beginning!