What an exciting start that was! A near collission with a motoring catamaran on starboard tack.... Then one of the first boats across the line (but no black flag!) and speeding away at 9 knots with gennaker. Sensational sight behind us.
A bit too much excitement in the first 24 hours with a few broaches, first under gennaker, later under poled out genoa and full main. Time to reef. Wind well above the forecast with occasional gusts well into the 30's. Then trouble starting the engine, so de-airing and replacing filter in heavy rolling conditions. Still some hesitation now during start-up, but once she is running everything is fine.
Provided radio assistance to Auliana 2 (8 miles south of us at the time) who lost its rudder, by calling Cowes and Las Palmas on Iridium. They did not want us to stand by, so we continued south. We wished them good luck on VHF, and feel sorry to see all their preparations be shattered by something so unexpected.
203 miles sailed in the first 24 hours.