Well true to form it is always best to get the throwout out of the way early.

The last two days have been really windy and of course now it's light. We had a
great start and were doing very well until we got to the A mark. A mark is
tucked up near shore. Shore is slightly favored and there are huge rocks along
the shore and out in the water by A mark (think Oregon coast). We got up to the
first big rock well and tacked to stb. Then the wind died. The whole fleet ended
up in a little area between the rocks and the A mark trying to make the mark and
no one could get around. We tacked about 4 times. Lots of guys were hitting the
mark, it was a mess.

We were passing people on the down wind after that but they shortened and
finished us at the gate. We have race 4 today so we might get another try, they
keep saying the wind is going to build.

Saturday was survival sailing and they had whales in the race course. We missed
things on Saturday but people were sailing with reefed mains and still flipping.
The winners sailed full main but single trapped. The crew had the jib sheet and
traveler to lock in while trapping and the skipper just hiked out. As soon as
they tried to double trap the skipper would be washed off. On top of this it was
30+ with huge waves.

I also heard one boat flipped and washed into the rocks on Saturday. A "rib"
chase boat tried to go in an help them but also flipped. Both boats were totally
destroyed and three people left in ambulances.

Yesterday was about 25 with pretty big waves. We were off watching elephants so
I can't report much. A few people were sailing reefed but most were full main.

I haven't sailed reefed since 1988, not sure I remember how to do that.
Enrique's take was you had to reef on Saturday.

They aren't really selling much apparel here at the event but they taking orders
for things, T-shirts, hats, fleece vests. Prices are between $10 and $35. Hats
are the cheapest. If anyone wants anything let me know and I'll order it they
will ship it home.

Forcast is for lightish wind today and tomorrow then there is a gale warning for
wednesday.

Rich