The Trophée d’Autumn kicked off with 55 boats bobbing around waiting for breeze on an overcast and cold day. Eventually a few knots of wind arrived and we prepared for the start. Our perfect start was marred somewhat by two port tack boats blocking our starboard path, shrugging, and ever so slowly turning back to the line. Oh well. Lots of spinnakers were launched, but it looked too tight, so we kept our jib and pulled ahead, now from last to 5th in 400 meters! Into Garoupe Bay for the turning mark, and a large cluster of boats seemingly attached to it – we sailed round them all, and emerged now heading to the next mark, 6 miles away, near the airport. With current against us, and very little breeze, the first hour we managed about a mile. Then wind filled in for us, then more, and in the end we were romping along in 20kts. Around the mark, up with the spinnaker, and 30 minutes later we finished in amongst the bigger boats, and the breeze died out.
10th out of 55, and 4th in class (I think we own 4th!). Well done team! Off to SRA for hot coffee, then beer, then home for a hot shower…