Chula - Chula Log 01 - The Start

What a start yesterday was! It was great to see all the boats on the
start line in a stiff force 4 flying a mixture of sails. We pushed over
the line mid-fleet due to a broken slider on the mizzen sail. We crossed
the line with the main plus genoa and even flew the cruising chute for a
bit. We find the best configuration when flying the cruising chute is
the mizzen as it gives less of a wind shadow so I quickly set to trying
to fix the mizzen sail slider whilst Jo was trying not to get too close
to other boats.

Pulling into wind we snuffed the cruising chute, took the main down and
put up the mizzen. However the wind increased so we were unable to put
the cruising chute back up and rather then pulling back into wind we
compromised for what we had up, the Genoa and mizzen. We had also
settled into our little fleet of boats, Coco, Big Bubble, Free Spirit
amongst others who we found ourselves close to on the last leg of the
rally. There was a lot of radio chatter as people settled into their
mini flotillas and it was nice to chat to our little group around us.

I am writing this at 10am day two with some Jack Johnson playing in the
background, nicely chosen by Rowan, our 7year old ,who is now playing
eye spy with Jo. It's a bit humid but we have a good 12 knots and we are
pushing along at 6 knots with the cruising chute up which we did on the
morning shift change over. Hopefully with a bit more rest we will be in
the rhythm of cruising. I was glad to push out to sea as the
preparations of leaving on land can be quite a drain, especially when
there is a party or something going on every night within the rally of
boats. You have to be quite disciplined and make sure you get your sleep
on the run up.. I have found ear plugs were a good investment for life
in a busy marina. Thanks to my dad who brought them over amongst other
last minute Amazon orders! I'm going to join in on eye spy and then kick
back for a sleep when the watch shift changes.

Chula out for now.

- written by Joe boy