Sailing in slow motion
Like many in the sailing world, over the past decade I have been captured by the thrill of going fast. But now I’ve gone back to sailing in slow motion, and I love it.
Photo Credit: Suellen Hurling / Live Sail DieWhat else do you do while waiting for the front to come through?

Visibility isn’t great!

I mean. The weather isn’t great! Is it legal to race with an umbrella?

Briefing was at 0930 and we were advised that racing would be delayed until about 1230 as a front was coming through. No one complained about that decision!

The day ended with a visit to the local Chinese restaurant. Thank goodness the food came out quickly because we were starting to get quote hangry! The plan in the morning is to head down to Lake Taupo Yacht Club early in the morning to make sure we are all ready to go. Briefing is at 0930 with the first warning at 1055.
Yeah nah. The only reason to celebrate sailing in the rain, is because it will hide your tears. Nice storm front rolling in!

So I'm talking to Brian Peet - what's the weather going to do for this regatta “it's gonna be windy!” “No, it's not windy” We really don't have any idea what's going to happen. I can see that it's raining though out there there yes it looks like moisture in the air but keep your fingers crossed. But I don’t know why.

So it turns out that my halyard was polyester instead of spectra!!! Can you believe it!! Don’t worry, super coach Brian Peet is to the rescue. Hang on… didn’t he fit the halyard when I picked up the mast…?

The racing area on Lake Taupo right in front of the club. Looks lush.

After a bit of a confused convoy, We made it to Taupo! The drive was broken up into three stages with the plan of getting four zephyrs in a row along the motorway. Well out coordination is as good as our roll tacks, and that didn’t happen, but we are here! Rego in 2 hours.

Getting road trip ready! Brand new cover thanks to Dan Bush. Bring on the motorway to Lake Taupo Yacht Club! Departure time from Auckland, approximately 0915 Friday morning.

Like many in the sailing world, over the past decade I have been captured by the thrill of going fast. But now I’ve gone back to sailing in slow motion, and I love it.
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