The headwind we had in Netherlands has given us some challenges and we are behind the schedule. Long before the trip started, Karl Otto had signed up for joining “Destin”, a former Norwegian, now a Californian Landmark 43 for the San Francisco Big boat series. At the same time, our regular guest in the autumn Berit, was happy that she could explore a new place in her world!
The Big Boat series was great fun and a lot of learning. Coming in as fresh on the San Francisco Bay is not the easiest, and after a couple of good practice days we started the challenge. One thing is that we had some challenges with the boat handling but bringing over a European guy to do the tactics was maybe not too smart in the beginning. Current going in all directions and turning at different times almost in the exact same area was not easy. After the first 2 races we all really started to get good hang of it and finished up the series with 2 fifths and a third. The highlight of the four days must have been the full planning sailing with the Landmark from just outside Golden Gate and all the way past City front (about 8 miles) at speeds between 15 and 21 in 30 knots of breeze. To Rome and the rest of the crew; Thanks for having me on board, lets win it next year!
Pictures: Ian studying the Bay model and learning the current on the race course, Happy captain and well working crew:
Back on the boat, Cottee, Maren and Berit have been enjoying the lazy life, swimming in the Atlantic, visiting Cadiz, having Spanish delicious food accompanied by bubbles and other favorites. Vacation as it should be!! (Well – some work has also been performed, finally the boat has got the proper name!)