Success! After a night in a vacuum bag, the carbon had cured ok. Next up was fairing at dawn! This involved smearing filler all over the carbon, letting it set, then sanding it off leaving the filler now on the boatyard team. It was suggested just to cover the team in filler and bypass the rudder, but there were unamused looks.
Rudder reinstalled and afloat by 2pm, and out to sea by 2:15 for an afternoon of preparation in the now lighter winds. Two chutes and a jib were tested, plus instruments recalibrated in the smoother seas. Plenty of jobs ticked off. Provisions mainly loaded – so with a day to spare, we’re pretty well set for racing.

Crew party tonight and then full day on the water Sunday ahead of Monday start.