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Sue's First Fastnet Blog

 08/11/2009
Blog from yacht Heartbeat III of Burnham, issued at
1815 on Sunday 9 August from Sue Pelling

The weather couldn’t have been better for Team Heartbeat for the start
of the Rolex Fastnet Race today. A light breeze (8-10 kts) from the
east pushed its way up the Solent and this, coupled with sparkling
sunshine, made for some Champagne spinnaker sailing as we crossed the
startline for our Class 1 start.

We took the mainland shore in an effort benefit from the first effects
of the sea breeze and it seemed to pay off as we headed towards
Lymington. One of the most exciting moments at the start however, was
the sudden appearance of a massive bulk carrier looming down on our
port quarter moments into the race. Unable to cross its path or bear
off any further, we managed to stall progress, leaving the ship to
pass just a few feet away. Breathing a sigh of relief, skipper Jason
Payne James skilfully resumed correct course, leaving the team to
concentrate on squeezing every inch of speed from the boat.

Like most of the fleet however, we fell into a wind hole as the sea
breeze started to fill in from The Needles first. Here we struggled to
make any headway in 1.5kts of breeze as we arrived at the entrance to
Lymington River. Floundering around off the river entrance in zero
winds, we managed to avoid a couple of kedged yachts, lobster pots
and the river entrance piles. Thankfully the wind began to fill in
once again which enabled us to pass through Hurst Narrows, and The
Needles in a good working breeze at 1600.

Interestingly, it was here where the fleet began to split some
heading offshore and others, like us opting for a more inshore route.
The wind has now, as we pass Anvil Point, ped again, ranging
between 3-5kts, so the chances of us making the tidal gate cut-off at
Portland at 1915, are now looking fairly slim.

Life on board is relaxed and the 13-strong crew - who are keen to
complete unfinished business from the 2007 race - are enjoying being
back on the Fastnet racecourse once again. Having seemingly been
eating all day, we are now about to tuck into our first Fastnet main
meal of the race. As I sit at and write our news from the day, Roger
Temple (watch leader) is slogging over a hot stove and the heavenly
aroma of garlic bread and lasagne is wafting through the cabin which
means I really must sign off now before the watch system kicks into
action.

More news tomorrow


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