Two runs yesterday as today shapes up...

We finally got in two runs yesterday in pretty mild conditions.

This still enabled us to hit just over 40 knots and average 38.8 for the 500 course. Whilst this doesn't set the world on fire... it did give us some idea of the current state of the boat after the last crash. With the data collected via the B+G instruments and PI RESEARCH logger-box we can dial VESTAS SAILROCKET in for speed.

From my perspective it was great to be back in the cockpit. 40 knots feels like a walk in the park now. The whole boat felt totally different and I can only put this down to the new full-face helmet which changes the whole sound of the boat from inside. I felt insulated and could hear things I didn't notice before. We did a second run but the average wind was somewhere around 15-16 knots so it didn't serve much purpose other than to give me some more time in the cockpit.

So last night we digested all the info and sent the condensed version back to the design team for a second opinion. Alex and I came down to do a double-check of the steering alignment and correct it based on yesterdays results. Everything looks pretty rock solid in which case I feel confident in giving the boat a good 'nudge' on the next run.

I'm pretty hungry for a big run now. I'm tired of living with the tension and uncertainty of what lies ahead of us. I know we can't just go out and hope it works but with each passing day the balance of forces in our decision making process changes. We have to be acutely aware of this.

I've had some ongoing dizziness after the crash which leads to bouts of vertigo when I swing my head around. I've done my homework on it. Yesterday I began to feel normal and carried out a few tests to double check. I couldn't instigate the vertigo so am happy that my own compass is getting re-aligned by itself.

Today is shaping up nicely. If the forecast pans out then we will focus once more on the nautical mile on our way up to the outright.

The high tides are now leaving us in the afternoon but we can't afford to miss good days. This means we will have to give the boat a hard time towing it out in the choppy water around the shallow spits and possible hitting the shallows at the end.

We are doing all we can. I know we WILL get our day... so I must stay on the case to make sure that we don't blow it when it comes.

(pure Africa... timing-huts as seen from back of container looking across lagoon and along 'speed-spot')

Cheers, Paul.