We managed to punch out through the swell on the launch ramp and across the lumpy lagoon to speed-spot. We had to stop a couple of times to let the beam-on waves break across the boat... but we've done this before.

It was sort of wierd as it felt strong, looked strong... and yet there was just something missing. We have become pretty sensitive to the 'moods' of this particular beach over the past two years and I know when something isn't right. We stopped in at the Timing hut to check the Tacktick wind instruments. Sure enough, it was showing gusty and shifty conditions. We waited for a bit until the numbers rose on average.

Overall the pressure we are under to get a result now makes my life simpler. There is only one option for hitting the course. The boat is in smoking form and if we get the breeze then my job is simple... peg it on the beach and sheet it all in to the marks... and hold my breath. My job is not to react... this could possibly be the wrong thing to do in an intimidating position. The knack to going where no-one has been before is to just go that little bit harder all round.

Anyway, we squeezed off two good runs that felt great from my perspective although I knew they weren't 'hell' runs. I was hoping to nail a good gust down the course but it wasn't to be. We were focusing on the 500 meter 'outright' course and managed a 44.24 and 43.79 (peak 46.8) average respectively. VESTAS SAILROCKET felt perfect. The pod skipped the helm was responsive and I was left yelling for more wind. Once again, we did all we could and the team worked as good as usual. We sailed at dead low tide which we rarely do and this means I have to do some pretty sharp slow-downs at the end so I don't hit the shallows. I was actually surprised how quick I could stop. Needs must. This is all good for the low-tide days to come.

We ARE ready!!!

The forecast is holding for Sunday at the moment. It says 26 knots which will hopefully mean an average around 22-23 knots.

We are around our 96th run down the Walvis Speed-spot. Wouldn't it be great if we nailed this on our 100th run given that the conceptual father of this boat, Bernard Smith, is having his 100th birthday this very month. Now that would be pretty cool.

So, one down, three days left. We will do our best to make them count.

Cheers, Paul.