Cracker IMX 40 at Cowes

We returned to Shepards Wharf after completing the Round the Island Race in record time. The crew and boat came back in one piece, unlike so many other boats one of which sank, another capsized and the rest with broken masts and the like. We got off lightly with just (!) a torn spinnaker sail which didn't quite stand up to the 24knots of wind.

....and whilst we have tied up, had showers and had a few drinks to rest and recuperate, other boats are still finishing.

Early morning at Shepards Wharf marina, Cowes

Day 2 of the RORC IRC National Championships here in the Solent. After sleeping up on deck overnight, the 11 strong team woke to a sunny, blue sky morning. I wish I could wake up every morning in exactly the same way. So peaceful.

Cracker Development Weekend in Brightlingsea

A development weekend at Brightlingsea consisted of winching Cali up the mast so that she could complete the task of marking the spreader positions on the new #1 and #2 sails before we applied patches to the kevlar and carbon fabric. Whilst she was there, she also lubricated the blocks with MacLube.

Luckily it wasn't me up the mast, or my phone!

Cracker passes the Millennium Dome

As Cracker passes the Millennium Dome a few members of the crew reflect on our involvement in designing what went on inside.

We didn't have long however as the Thames Barrier was fast approaching. Helming along the Thames requires a great deal of concentration as you avoid shallow waters around the inside bends and fast moving taxi boats which move swiftly up behind you like an Audi on a German Autobahn

Lock-out at St Katherines Dock

Cracker leaves her Winter residence at St Katherines Dock for Brightlingsea, but not before going through the lock gates.