RPNYC ran its two handed series today - a 17 miler around the cans in Wellington Harbour. Forecast was dubiously big from the Metservice and didn't align with Windfinder, Windguru, Metvuw etc. Started off with gentle zephyrs and blew 20s for some of the course.
We learnt the boat really fast today, including deploying the code zero, having a couple of great upwind legs, and using the A6 for a speedie run past Somes Island to Days Bay. On the way back past Somes Island, the breeze had built and we tucked in a reef. Lesson number 1 - don't assume the reef line has been run and check it at the dock! Running a reef line took ages and cost us speed and distance on the fleet. A good reach home and to our relief, we didn't embarrass ourselves by not coming first across the line.
Next challenge was pulling down that huge main two handed while it was blowing pretty hard by then and the gusts in the inner harbour were not helpful.
A great first sail - lots to learn. She is a dream to drive and well behaved. We didn't make her go as fast as she is used to fully crewed but we held a steady course to have a great day on the water in decent breeze. She is running beautifully - canting properly and easily from the wheels. Some two handed systems to sort out but that is easy.
Great first two handed day out - many more to come!
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