15 more days before the Global Challenge Mumbles

And no post yet? Mark are you ready for the drinking? Or are you converted to water since last year?

What can we expect weather wise? Any guesses? Normal conditions that time a year? Is there a plan B if there’s too much wind? I don’t think there is something like the red district in Mumbles?

For all of you who are coming: no high technological weapons (upwind spi, 1/2 spi..) to report? I think there is a rule that states all secret weapons should be revealed at least 10 days before the GC.



It looks like there will be more 1-up sailors than 2-up sailors. That could be interesting.
For those of you not coming: we’ll miss you and do you want a report on our trip? Phill are you coming to be an excellent fly on the wall again?

I am looking forward to it! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I can't believe it is coming up so fast! We are really looking forward to coming!!! Looking forward to sailing with Geert.. (My husband can't figure out what I see fiberglass and sails)
What is the water temp right now?
Looking forward to meeting everyone <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

All I can say that there isn't enough palm trees at this venue for me to think about attending.

But best of luck to all! Hope it is a successful event with close and fun racing.

Looking forward to this Big time.

Hopefully it will be warmer than last time I was at Mumbles!

It's early (07.38) my head hurts from last night and it's the 1st day of the A Class National Championships. Air temp 15.5 deg C Water temp 15.3 deg C wind 3mph.

BUT, look at those waves! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Call me a wimp--but with temps like that I am wearing my dry suit!! See you all soon-

Enjoy! Report often. And pictures please, if you can find the time.

<img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

That's hot for 7 am!!!

26 today.

Superb days racing. Wind 13knts, normal flat sea state & Sunny. Chris Field was basically in a class of his own and cruised to the finishes gaining 3 bullets. I was on the pace upwind but could have done with a kite downwind to keep up. To me sailing an A fast downwind is a Black Art which I know very little about. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

But once you get the hang of that black art of sailing an A downwind wild, then it is heaps of fun. You can push the boat really hard.

Hi Kathleen,

thanks for starting this thread, I was about to do it myself. I know I am not going, but that is all the more reason to want to know all the gossip. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

So how many are entered? What designs will be present? Who are the HOT prospects to win etc. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Not many have pre-entntered to date! mainly Stealths and the HOT prospects to win? Hans but there again "Sailwave" could be defaulted <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Day 2 of the A,s Nationals light winds max 8mph. Chris had another three bullets but in race 5 he had to work a bit. I took a port flyer off the line passed the fleet and went to the corner. First to the windward mark <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />first to the leeward mark <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />Then Chris hauled me in on the next beat <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> and I eventually finished in a happy 3rd <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

The A Class National Championships is all over, Chris Field won, Nigel Lovett 2nd, Steve Tellwright 3rd and I was 4th. No Port fliers today but did manage a 2nd place in the 8th race.

Hi Mark,

You still had a nice result, knowing you aren't used to the boat!

Do you have any data on currents in Mumbles? Or where could I find any?

Regards,
Gill

Hi Gill
Without buying the relevant Admiralty Charts I can't think of where you could attain this info for free, apart from asking some of the local sailors. However, as with the the recent A Classes I discussed tides during the skippers briefing. There's really not a big issue with tides in the Bay unlike some places I've sailed!
During the GC we will be racing during a Neap tide cycle so the tidal strength will be negligible as compared to areas of higher wind pressure or wind bend over the course. Therefore, tides shouldn't not dictate your tactics.

Some photo's from last weekends A Class Nationals are now on the MYC website. I.m still waiting for the one of me infront of Chris and the rest of the fleet to be published <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Here's a very rough sketch of the tide patterns. I hope this helps! You'll notice that in the middle of the race area there is NORMALLY a fairly large area of what can best be described as slack water <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Hi Mark,

great result, looks like you should be coming to OZ for the Worlds this summer <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />.

You would love Lake Macquarie, 15 knot sea breezes, sunshine and 25+ degrees C each day <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />. Of course that's what they will tell you it normaly is, when it's a drifter or blowing the dog of the chain during the event. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

I'm sorry I couldn't upload the image, I'll try again later. If it still hasn't worked by tomorrow then send me an email and I'll forward to you <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Mark's sketch is now linked to on our F16 micro site - which is available from our home page.

www.mumblesyachtclub.co.uk

PS: Mark forgot to tell you about my daggerboard... <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Sooo, who will be reporting from the GC? We was spoiled last year with Phills reports from Zandvoort and expect no less this time around <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Looking at the entries, there are many there who I know for sure are literate <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Your dagger boards were working fine when this photo was taken. I'm actually leading the race <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> with Chris Field and Tom Taylor following. Now I'm going to stop gloating as it will all be different next weekend. Don't mention the downhaul!! ahhhhhhhhh <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />
I feel as if I'm being moderated as this is the second time I have failed to add an attachment!! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Sorry Mark, but that is positively not the case. I attached a picture to a post I made last night, so the forum software also works. Which kind of indicates that the problem might sit somewhere between the back of the chair and the keyboard <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

No worries, I think this image is best left to your imagination anyway as I certainly didn't have enough downhaul on.
But you were correct, it was me who was at fault as I have subsequently turned down the quality and it has now loaded.

If there is free wifi in the neighbourhood, I would be happy to post a report (if ofcourse the ice-T's don't keep me away from my laptop...).

A pity there are no Vipers present. No UK APHC dealer near Mumbles?

We will be arriving on Wednesday. I know Geert and Joanna will already be present. Any other crews that will go for a test sail on Tuesday?

Just to impress competition: <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4g7HKczJbp8 <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Gill

There is free wi fi in the club. See the visitor information page linked to form the F16 microsite. Ask any member for the password.

www.mumblesyachtclub.co.uk

I'll hopefully be there sometime late AM on Thursday. Leaving home about 04:30!!!!!!

I'll also have my Laptop. I'll also hopefully be sailing with a GPS and video Camera.

has the password changed from last year?

Great video Gill! Looking forward to sailing with you and Kathleen again, and meeting everyone else. Lets try to get out on Thursday. I need the practice-haven't been on the cat since July 6th. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Simon,

I'll also be taking my GPS with me. I know Geert normally will take his too. I would be nice to have some more sailors with GPS on board! Ofcourse I don't know how easy you can compare data....

Gill

Gill,

I will have my laptop with me, if you have a suitable data-cable (I have a Garmin unit with a round 12 pin plug) and have a data cable for it.

Do you have a data cable for your unit? The club has WiFi so we should be able to download a Driver if we need one.

Simon

Simon,

I have a data cable, but no serial port on my laptop. Do you happen to have one? I have all the software on my pc, so we should be able to transer if if necessary.
I have a Garmin GPSII (old :-) )

Do you know if we need any paperwork for the catamaran to cross the border between France and the UK?

Gill

I assume you mean an RS232 D type plug? If so i have a Serial to USB converter.

AS for paperwork, I don't think so.

Gill,

Will take also a laptop with me, and a serial to usb converter cable, so that should not be a problem.
If someone wants it, i also do have an old garmin gps 12, just don't have an extra watertight case for it.

See you soon, will start driving tommorow.

Geert

Geert
Please don't forget to bring some £'s with you for the Severn Bridge. Otherwise, you'll have a 100km detour!

Geert, have a safe drive and see on on Wednesday (we arrive in the afternoon).

I also admit that I only talk to Kathleen while sitting on the boat...

Gill

Mark, check your PM, can't seem to contact you on your mobile, thanks. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

The GC Social Programme is now on the Event Website. Follow the picture link from the MYC homepage.
www.mumblesyachtclub.co.uk
Mark

Welcome to our world. I've known Mark about 10 years and he's maybe answered my calls twice... <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Mark,

dodi y iâ te ym y oergell!

We don't do Ice Tea, you'll have to bring your own. Geert and Joanna went for a sail this evening, Joanna was true to her word and was wearing a drysuit! The wind was approx 12knts and the Bay was flat. I went out at 17.00hrs yesterday in a shorty.

Lucky buggers.....

I cleaned my boat and then cooked tea!

Could you cook some more Simon and bring it with you? I'm afraid I wont get past the immigrations with 50 liters of Ice-tea.

Let's hope we'll have the same weather the entire next week!
Now I really can't wait to get on Welsh water!

Gill

I was cooking tea as in Supper!

Roast Beef, roast peppers, roast garlic, Carrots and Brock.

Home grown blackberries and Raspberries for pudding <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Gill, So you got addicted to Iced Tea in Florida. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> See you soon-
Yes, I was wearing my dry suit-make all the fun you want, but I was quite comforable. The bay looked flat from shore but the waves were quite big. Big rollers. Geert and I had a good time. Getting use to each others way of doing things. And starting with the bruises early. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Good ho; see you Thursday at some point. Current long range forcast is for windy Sunday and Monday! (22-26kts!!!!!)


Where are you staying?

That is Geert Alright !

Wouter

Is there is a list of attendees posted anywhere?

We'll be travelling down on Thursday (plan to arrive mid-afternoon). The other news is that I've handed the boat over to No.1 son, Paul, for the event. I'll be just an interested bystander!

Pit crew?

So, John are you coming for the Global Beer challenge? <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> (I think Mark has already won that one!)

Hi Robi
Follow the photo link from:
www.mumblesyachtclub.co.uk
Mark

So we'll have a good photographer on site then... ;-) !

We'll be staying at a caravan up on the hill behind the club.

See you tomorrow!!!!

Is it this weekend then? Can't wait to hear about the party, oh, and the sailing. I hope the wind Gods are good to you all. Wish I were there.

Geert Joanna and I had a great sail today, the wind was southerly approx 12-14mph and a nice 2 foot swell was running into the Bay which was great to play in with the kites up.

Mark, looks fantastic. What time is High Water tomorrow; wondering if I'll have any water for a sail at around 15:00?

Geert's Blade almost ready to launch

Low water is at 15:40hrs <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> If you are really desperate you can still get on the water using the slip nearest the Pier (Where I keep my boat) at around 16:30 but that's to close to Beer O'clock for me <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Thanks Mark; maybe see how early I drag myself out of bed; I guess I have a 5 hour drive; so may be there Mid AM which might give me time to get out; I assume I'd need to be off the water by about 13:30 to have enough water - looking a bit tight...

As you say; 16:30 is close to beer o'clock....

Cannot believe I've just set my alarm for 04:15.

See you tomorrow!!!!!

So what is going on at Mumbles? If somebody (that is you Simon) can call me on Skype tonight I'll be happy to type up a report for formula16.org.

Who are hot, what is new, who have won at the bar so far, how fast have Geert and Johanna become?


Here is the entry list found on http://mumblesyachtclub.co.uk/f16worlds2008/ :

1 Mark Pressdee Mumbles YC GBR 555 Stealth
2 Hans Klok WV Zandvoort NED 111 Blade
3 Simon Longstaff Grafham Water SC GBR 553 Stealth
4 Gill De Bruyne & Kathleen Vandenbulcke VVW Heist BEL 666 Blade
5 John & Rob Alani Leigh on Sea SC GBR 527 Stealth
6 Paul Warren & Ann Powter (Blade Watch!) Datchet Water SC GBR 801 Blade
7 Geert Ruesink & Joanna Lienti (USA) WSG NED 9 Blade
8 Nick Moore Datchet Water SC GBR 505 Stealth
9 John Terry Rutland SC GBR 556 Stealth
10 Dave Tugwell Datchet Water SC GBR 554 Stealth
11 Wayne Richards Datchet Water SC GBR 506 Stealth
12 John Pierce Stealth
13 Chris Sproat & Georgina Burke Stokes Bay SC Viper
14 Colin Jenkins & Paul Nicholson Mumbles YC GBR 538 Stealth

Today has been a day of bimbling, and sailing. I did the first practice race and then decided I need to change some settings and so went in as Hans came out; Overall Mark P ran 3 or 4 races round decent sized W/L courses. Some were going fast up wind, some were going fast down wind.

The wind was a shift F2-3. Tomorrow's forecast looks a bit dicey (22-30 kts) so people are tieing boats to anything heavy they can find.


I'll try and provode an update every day <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Tomorrow's forecast looks a bit dicey (22-30 kts) so people are tieing boats to anything heavy they can find.

OUCH. I hope it's a sheltered bay and nobody gets hurt.

It's all fun and games until someone gets hurt

Okay ! This is going to be a crew to watch. They have been very succesful in the Spitfire class and we know the level is high there. Didn't they switch to F18's about 2 years ago and did well there too ?

Best of luck to all the teams outthere and the best of weather and enjoyment.

Wouter

Hi all,

great to see a few different designs entered, pity there are no Taipans <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> .

Does the sailors on the Viper sail F16 normaly? Or are they "Rock Stars" arranged to sail the Viper just for this regatta? <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" />

Strong winds today, as forecast.

http://www.formula16.org/content/view/62/42/lang,en/

They are not professional. They are Spitfire sailors who, presumably, have decided to join in the fun. The Spitfire was a "Grandfathered" F16 at the beginning.
If the other F16 sailors there are "open minded", they will learn a lot from them <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

As long as they are F16 class members, sail an F16 and have measured in, that is just cool.

Chris Sprout has joined the association. Racing update soon

Rescue boat went out; average wind was around 22-24 over the course; max gust was 34kts!

No sailing today; plan to race from 11am tomorrow; however the forcast for tomorrow is similar!!!! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Crap. Well then, it's off to the pub for the real contest! Darts and Billiards! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Hmmm Deja Vu all over again <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />.

Tell me how many days does this regatta run again? <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Hi Dermot,

I thought they had been sailing F18 recently? Didn't say anything about them being professional, only a few are that lucky <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />.

Here is a webcam not too far from Mumbles. Still windy and lots of waves, but perhaps there is hope for today?

http://www.gowerlive.co.uk/langlandwebcam.php

one hour postponement; very similar to yesterday.

Rescue boat is going out to check the wind conditions at 11:30 and then a decision will be made.





On the up side, it is not raining (at the moment).



Forecast looks far better for Monday and Tuesday.

No sailing today, too much wind.

Looking better for tomorrow.

Hi Gary, I should have said that they were amateurs. They are top of the rankings on the Spitfire circuit this year, so have sailed at most Spitfire events. They work so well together that they are difficult to beat no matter what class they sail. They should be at the Spitfire Europeans on the 13th in Belgium.
We have westerly gales over here in the west of Ireland today. I hope that it is better in Wales. The wind is meant to drop off over the next few days.

Well Simon, pretty good of the race committee to take responsibilty for safety instead of leaving it up the sailors. There is always sombody going out to try and make some easy points, making others follow.

Few people have been out on Ribs and they all say it's totally unraceable. Gusts to 33kts earlier!

That sounds like Windsurfer or Kite weather. Do they have any of those over there? <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

Paul went out on borrowed kit Tim. Bic raceboard with a 5.6m sail. Support RIB clocked him at 25kts plus several times before he crashed and burned!

When he got ashore he reckoned the gusts were probably somewher near 2x windspeed and it was just impossible to hold onto the sail as it powered up too quickly to react!

I remember my layovers in Brighton (one of my favorite places) when the big storms would come in, the size of the waves breaking up on the beach, sometimes all the way up to the roadway. One time when we landed at Gatwick, the wind was 50 gusting to 65 knots! Luckily it was straight down the runway but after we got to the hotel (the Metropole) I went out and tried to walk down the street...into the wind I had to lean forward about 45 degrees just keep from being blown over! Luckily it was a short walk, to the Fiddler's Elbow for a pint of "Courage"! But I did see a few (3) windsurfers out in some HUGE wind and waves with the smallest sails I've ever seen.

They were only out about an hour going back and forth between the two peirs (back before the "old" peir was destroyed). Great fun to watch those guys in that stuff but I didn't feel the need to join them! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

I hope you guys can sail tomorrow. How's the forecast?

Windguru WRF9km forcast for Monday and Tuesday is F5-6; so looks sailable and the 2 up boat may have the advantage.

Aww, come on. It is all about skill you know <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I really hope you guys get on the water tomorrow! Who is leading at the bar?

Some went for a walk......

Looking at the webcam there are still loads of surfers (on a monday!! *humph* ) and large waves. Hope conditions are more sheltered at Mumbles. None of the usual suspects are on Skype, so I hope they are out there rigging or sailing to the course.

Well what a fantastic sail.....

I think everyone except John Alani washed the sails at some point.

JohnP was going well, as were others, I think everyone had their "good race" except for Paul and Anne who cracked thier rear beam (we assume a long term problem that just presented this week). Chris and Rosanna broke a spreader on their Viper so we have lost two of the tweo up crews.

I had two good results (3rds) and then washed the sails on the 3rd race and got seperated from the boat (hopefully some video later), but after a quick pick up by rescue it might be time for a rest and so came in.

Link to results
http://www.mumblesyachtclub.co.uk/results/2008/f16worlds.htm

Sounds WILD!

Gert and Joanna certainly are impressive. Looking forward to hear some more war stories.
Will the breakages be fixed for tomorrow?

Sorry, my wipeout was not on Video.

I have to commend the rescue at Humbles YC getting to me so quickly as my boat sailed away.....



After some work, it apperars that John P has found a spare 90mm beam section in one of his barns and so it looks like Anne and Paul will be sailing tomorrow; Hans left a few moments ago with Paul in search of Monel rivets to re-attach the traveller track to the beam.

Unfortuatley we could not find a new spreader for the Viper, I believe Tim from "South Wales Marine" seached high and low for a replacement but nothing was found.

I would try to through bolt it to the beam. Yes, sounds painful but can be done with some patience.
I did that recently.

I normally bolt my traveler to just the top of my rear beam.
Takes a batten,tape, spanner ,cordless screw driver, a helper, (or some real long arms) and of course a bit of patience.

Monel rivets are much quicker and time is probably going to be an issue.
Hope they get it sorted in time.

Regards,
Phill

Last day today, and the pics on the webcam looks reasonable. No surfers there today, perhaps a good sign.
http://www.gowerlive.co.uk/langlandwebcam.php

Hope all the breakages are under control and that people are not too beaten up after yesterday. A shame that Georgina and Chris did not get to do even one race with their Viper.

Yes, that is a real pitty.

Wouter

Surely a replacement spreader arm could be found.....after all the viper uses the Holt fitting for spreaders?

Could not find a suitable spreader arm.

I'm not sailing as I've got some sort of bug and I have to be carefull.

Hans is off the water and packing up as he needs to catch the ferry tonight. Most are still out racing.

Congratulations John, and all the participants who raced at the GC2008 at Mumbles!


Report

Photos and a report from Mark now on the event site.

http://mumblesyachtclub.co.uk/f16worlds2008/

1057 photographs and not one in a bar. No wonder I was falling over so often <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

What a fantastic event! What a fantastic team at Mumbles!

I said it at the time, and John P said it at the prizegiving, the level of effort and the slickness of organisation by the MYC volunteers was truly amazing! A sincere thank you from all the competitors for a really memorable 2008 GC. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

It got off to a good start when Geert, Joanna and David arrived on the Sunday. They had been travelling for many many hours, were thirsty and David mentioned he liked Bass. No doubt he actually meant an occasional gentle drink of Bass, but his mistake was saying it in Wales and saying it to Porky; either one of these two circumstances might have saved them, but together they were fatal and the activities for the rest of the day were in no doubt.

The rowing club happened to have a new barrel of Bass on and happened to be open for lunch, so we all strolled down for some ale. Six hours later (lunch opening hours kinda stretched a little) and many pints/songs later our dazed guests staggered home via The Salt for a meal curtesy of Porky (thanks). By this time they were all wondering where on earth they had landed and whether or not the Welsh are actually sane - and the rest is history. Geert moved to Strongbow as his favoured tipple during the course of the event (the sailing event as a whole that is), David stuck to Bass and Jo went all girly on us and drank water...

<img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I'd like to also commend Mumbles on their race organisation and rescue. When I went in, it was a quick one and I ended up about 20m from the boat, I think I also bounced off the daggerboard and ruddder on the way out the back of the bus (I still have the bruises to show for it) and Colin (sailwave) was with me within about 60 seconds.

Race organisation was very slick and the next race sequence was started very quickly after the last finisher.

Top Job all round.

Indeed, congratulations John !

It is good to see that the fleet is catching up with John's level of sailing skills. Slowly but surely we are all getting there ! Again a real pitty about Sproat.

Wouter

Everyone at Mumbles was GREAT!!!
Colin, Porky, Alyson, and the gang did make us feel right at home as soon as we arrived. (I did have 1/2 of a 1/2 pint of Bass-but the Mumbles water is some of the best I ever had!!)
Race committee did an excellent job all the way around.
And thank you Geert for chauffeuring and taking a chance on me as crew! The racing was great and I felt privileged to be with some of the best sailors in the world.

PS-I have come home 30C and rain <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Congratulations! Well done.

The report MarkP did and the photos "Sailwave" submitted to Y&Y have been accepted and published on their website. Just hope their work also makes it into the magazine. Excellent work Mark and Simon (are there anybody else who deserves credit for the report?).

Ref: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/news/?article=142961

This is great PR for the class, more like this <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Rolf, I cannot take any credit for the report. All MarkP's work.
Finally feeling a bit better, should be sailing next weekend. More Video to come. What I captured from Mumbles in not that good and I did not get my wipeout on video (I've fixed the damage I did to the trailing edge of the plate I did not know I'd done.... <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> )

The other Simon <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Any video is better than no video. There must have been at least three video cams there?

started to upload a few snippets to Youtube

Out to the start

Start and first beat

Second lap (sorry about the title at the beginning)

Last upwind and run for the line

In the "Start and first Beat" video you have a nice long stretch of video seeing the T-foil rudder in action, piercing the surface.

From 3 min onwards.

Best video of the first three uploaded Simon. Also good to be able to see where the others are on this beat.

Wouter

Hi Simon, that is just great. Those small videos together with the reports, posts here and pictures gives us a really good impression on how the GC 2008 at Mumbles was. If you thought that was no good, I look forward to seeing what you think is good. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Did any other teams go out with cameras?

I already learnt a lot from watching you in those videos. Thanks!

Rolf, what did you learn?

I learned that I need to lean back more in my harness as I was not flat - difficult in lumps, but needs to be done and to also get the kite up quicker.

Over the coming weeks I'm going to play around with the location of the camera. I think mounted on the Mast spanner may give something interesting as on one tack, the camera will be pointing at the sailor and the other tack might be pointing forward. Will also try mounting it on the front of the boom looking up the sail so I can see what is happening to the top / Leach.

Nice report Mark, covers it pretty well.

We had a very good time at Mumbles, enjoyed the racing and the hospitality (tks. Colin/Sheena/Alyson).
It was just 2 days racing, but the time we had was used very well, with 9 races. A good thing was that we hardly had to wait in between races. Also 3 resque boats on the water meant they were there when you need it. And I did need it, stuffed the bow already before Joannna was secured by footstrap/chicken wire. And over we went. Got even separated from the boat after we righted it. Happily all happened just before the first start. But after that we decided to ease it a bit on the downwinds. First couple of downwinds without kite and later on things were more in control.
For some reason we had very good speed, a bit more than I'm used to. Must have been either the crew or the Strongbow's

The second day was better, a little less gusty and we came very close to JohnP in the results. But the last downwind decided the game, John was quicker (again) on the downwind and won the race. He didn't even give us the change to give him bad air.

Lots of fun with enough changes in positions, throughout the complete fleet.

Geert
Blade 9

Geert - you gave me the wrong key back... <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Simon:
Nice videos!
One question, why are your boards so far up when going upwind?
How much more do/can you raise them going downwind?

Tony,

My boards are much longer than others so I raise them this much for upwind when it's windy. I don't change them sailing downwind any more as the boat feels well balanced with the same place up and down wind; it way be due to the fact that I usually wire downwind, but it was very shifty at Mumbles and the waves were also coming from unpredictable angles. I spoke to JohnP after the first race ande he confirmed he was not wiring down wind for the same reason.

Scooby,

Your (custom) boards are over a meter long right ? Aspect ration beyond 5 where the other crews were all using boards of aspect ratio 4 and lengths that were at most 0.80 mtr.

Wouter

yes, my plates have an aspect ratio of about 4.6.

Where is the challenge going to be next year?

I've heard talk about GYC, but nothing official.