Cowes Week 2026 - Tues 4th - Day 4

After yesterdays minor rant about the courses we have been given to sail this week, todays was different.  After a long beat that gave you tactical options there were reaches and runs galore.  Happy days.

The wind was fairly strong at F5-6 SW so instead of short tacking up Cowes Beech, we decided to take the pain of tide and went across to the other side of the Solent and short tack up the mainland side instead.  We clear wind and the boat sailed strongly and freely.  On the other side we just left, there’s was shouting galore and few boats have new scratches in them.  We did the right thing and were in the fleet as we went round the top mark.

Sadly, the wind was to strong but we decided to use the spinnaker anyway and found that it was too much for the old girl.  So the fleet left us alone as they sailed off and we came back under our white sails only.  Shame, but safety is key and if the boat is in danger, your in danger.

Still, the three old men onboard this 50 year old boats are getting used to the Aquila and her methods.  We however are showing our age and finding things that hurt that we didn’t know we had anymore !!!

20 miles sailed in 3 hours 37 minutes and 37 seconds for 14th place in fleet of 21.  Well pleased with that.

lots of wind tomorrow so maybe a day tied up in harbour is coming, we shall see.

Thought of the day - Sometimes people do listen when you moan, always worth a word or two, you never know.