So the guy’s have now been racing a full week in the AG2R and as I type they are just rounding the only mark of the course, La Palma to starboard, having a great race in 8th place and still in touch with the leading pack. Still all to play for from here.
Back in Lorient I have been working on making sure my boat is ready for the next race on the calendar, the Solo Concarneau starting on the 10th May. After the collision there has been non-stop work on 37 the last few weeks to ensure she is going to be ready on time. I have been assured a launch date of next Friday is a safe bet, so fingers crossed everything works out.
While the builders are working on the hull, Simon (our French preparateur) and I have been working on the mast, boom and spinnaker pole. We completely took apart the rig after the collision to check for any damage, cracks, wear etc and luckily found no real problems other than the top spreader roots which needed replacing. I have also been able to sort out my ‘stiff’ outhaul problem as well as put in an improved reefing solution than I had before. My all new look spinnaker pole has had a mini make-over too which I am excited to get out and try.
It has been the first time that I have been able to spend a week on just sorting my boat out since I started in the Academy in November last year. Since then it has been non-stop sailing with only the odd day or weekend to carry out any boat jobs, never enough time to sit and do everything properly, so this past week has been highly productive in getting 37 exactly how I want her!
A Plus,
H
