Doing the full course single-handed is probably going to be a little tiring! 45 nautical miles for a direct route? Last year one guy did it on a class A according to the results... But it was a drifter of a race: 7:30 for the first one (that's roughly 6 knots average) and over 9 hours for the last one (5 knots average).
What's the usual wind direction and speed? According to
windfinder there is quite a lot of chances for a 8 to 10 knots with a close reach to get there and a broad reach under spi on the way back. Could be fun. Are those the usual conditions? Tides look like they could be interresting, I'm glad they are probably pushing in the right direction: Sunday High Water 0541 Low Water 1134
Probably the kind of race you decide to go or not on Saturday morning based on the long range forecast... I may go, depends on the wind.
I've done it almost every year since it started. FIrst year I did it on a Dar 18 (full course!!)
The last few have been fairly light affairs. Did it a few times on my Inter 17 long course a few times, short course once (recovering from damage to myself). Also done it on the F16 twice, Hurricane 59 about 10 times and a Tornado last year.
When there is wind you usually go out on a Spi reach all the way to Walton and then fetch back up the shore to the Colne gate; harden up to the Bradwell gate and then the wind dies for 30 minutes while the sea brease fights the land brease and then you put the kite back up and hoon down the river!!!!
I've also drifted around for 8 hours!!!!
It's usually a good social weekend as 99% of people camp and the club is very very friendly. I'd go even if I did not have a boat as there are loads of people I know. Ony problem is that the F18 worlds usually end up the same time and so not may come...........................
usually get a round 60 - 90 boats; from Dart 15's to Tornados. I'm hoping William will bring the M20Vampire.
THere is also a good fleet of Shadows (usually) so there is a strong single handed fleet.
Just come for the beers!!!!!
And it's all for Charity!!!
If a few come, we could do some boat tuning / sailing on Friday! (and open a tinny or two...)
