And so it begins... with what looks like a rather mild day.

It's just gone quater past two and that makes it high tide. We spent the morning doing final tweaks and instrument calibrations. The wind has swung into the WSW but isn't building at a great rate. My gut feel says it will get to around 17-19 knots tops.

We are all geared up anyway and will go out for a shakedown run. I'm sure we will find out more about our level of preparedness out there... than tinkering in here. Also, we have a new team member in Jeff Mearing who will get to see first hand what is expected. I warned Jeff that many a potentially great career... has been ruined on the first day;) It's always fun bringing in new people as you wonder what they will make of the whole days activities.

I hope we do get to do a semi decent run as I'm looking forward to re-acquainting myself with the beast. The last time I sailed it... I wasn't sure if it was going to be the last, period. But we both now have a great opportunity to try once more for the highest accolade in speed sailing, the outright record.

so here is a little clip from this morning  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rh40FTlpS0Y 

Righto, time to head out there one more time. It's great to be back.

Cheers, Paul.