I was basically looking after a foiling billboard, which meant it was a double shame that there was hardly any breeze. That did give me a chance to do what I reckon must be the first foiling tow in from a sailing boat - I got a ride from the iShares boat kite sheet, which must have been quite a spectacle! It nearly ended in disaster mind – once the moth was foiling it was kinda quicker than the 40 and I very nearly mounted them from behind. The coolest part was that the boat was covered in Andalucía branding, which guaranteed an automatic cheer every time I yachted passed the local crowds. Mind you, trying to avoid the X40’s on their tiny course, in very restricted water while still trying to give the crowds a show wasn’t the world’s easiest remit, but everyone knows that mothies love to show off..
It was impressive to be part of such a slick event, the sheer number of visitors and excellent race village were a sight in themselves. It’d be cool to see if a similar format could work with moths.
The icing on the cake was that the boys on Masirah went on to win the event, in a nail biting final. Having lead the series comfortably they’d had some bad luck in Amsterdam so still had a bit on coming to Almeria. No one deserved to win more than them, and my heart was in my mouth right up to them crossing the finish line. Needless to say, the bender afterwards was e-p-i-c.
Not doing much winter sailing, I’m too wimpy and it’s too cold, but best of luck for everyone planning on being in Staines for the Bloody Mary at the weekend; my boat looked like this yesterday – no danger! I’m planning on a slow start to the year, skipping Dubai, and then depending on how I feel after the Europeans trying to take things seriously for a ramp-up to Australia.
