Sea Fever

1. Virginia on the wheel

2. Patrick and Andrew have tea while steering nonchalantly past Corryvreckan

3. Andrew takes the helm for a downwind slalom in the Sound of Jura

This was a fantastic weekend in October bringing Sea Fever down from Corpach to Crinan and trying out the crew combination for next year. The wind blew, the boat flew and we had some delicious meals as well. On Saturday night we went up Loch Sween to Tayvallich and enjoyed a spot of supper. Getting out of the harbour was a challenge but Patrick showed he was not too squeamish about hitting the odd rock with his brand new boat to contemplate the perils of Menai or Corran! All in all a very encouraging trial weekend.

Three Peaks Race 2010

This year I am thrilled to have joined forces for the 3PYR with some very good friends. Patrick and Virginia have known Andrew and I for nearly thirty years and we spent happy times team racing and campaigning Laser 2 dinghies in the 1980s before work and children changed our lives. Now the Birds keep a boat in Scotland and enjoy hill running and sailing, while Andrew and I sail and race in Devon.
We met up again when Patrick and Virginia shipped aboard Ezra for the 2009 race, but were disappointed that they never reached Caernarvon and had to retire.
With unfinished business and a wish to enter their new boat for the Tilman Trophy Patrick asked if I would like to be the non running co-skipper for 2010.
Meanwhile Andrew had been left at home minding the children and also hankered after a piece of the 3PYR action. So he is now training on hills and putting in the miles for running a marathon. The fifth man will be one of Patrick's regular crew, David, who is well versed in Scottish waters.
The boat is Sea Fever, a new Arcona 400 in her first season, with a huge rig and a full symmetric spinnaker. She draws 8 feet, which will pose some interesting questions at Barmouth and Caernarvon, but she is a fantastic speed machine so it will be worth it!