Storm damage forces WSI to retire
Damage sustained during the first leg of the race, (Wicklow to Tuskar), has forced WSI to pull out of the race.
Skipper, Cormac made the very tough decision just after rounding the Fastnet Rock, off of West Cork around 4am Tuesday morning. He said, "Knowing the boat had sustained damage, and we were about to be hit by gale force winds, it was not reasonable to head up the West coast, where there are few safe havens and the course would have taken us far off shore." The boat is safely moored in Crookhaven and plans are being made to get her back to Howth for repairs
The quiet before another storm
Wind was in short supply today as many in the fleet headed offshore in search of wind. WSI was amoung them. Skipper Cormac said "We gambled on staying well offshore waiting for the SE wind to kick in."
A gale is forecast for tonight and tomorrow for the South and East coasts, however because it is from the South/South East direction it will be behind them making it easier to handle and the seas should not be too much of an issue.
Still it is certainly turning out to be a very tough race. With a long way to go, WSI is currently placed 6th out of the 11 in her class.
Sunday, June 22nd 4pm update from skipper
"All well. Had a couple of issues to deal with. Anchor locker filled again! Number 4 up and main sail down. Constant 30 knots, gusting 35. 26 miles from Tuskar Rock." Skipper Cormac Farrelly
Windy conditions as the race finally starts
Confidence was high as the start time finally arrived this afternoon. The strong winds meant just getting off the harbour wall was difficult and ribs were called in to assit. Fortunately there was no damage done, despite some near misses, and WSI made a clean exit.
To handle the strong wind conditions, WSI had two reefs in the main and the number 2 genoa, up for the start. It was a downwind start that didn't see one spinnaker flying. Viewing the start from the pier, everyone was excited but tense because of the wind's strength. The wind made it impossible to hear the starting gun but the maxi yachts made it obvious and the crowd cheered as the yachts sped by. WSI got a good start with a mid-fleet position.
WSI ready for the off
Although the forecast is for a damp and windy start to the race, the spirits are high at the WSI team base in wicklow this morning. The boat will be fully provisioned this morning by the shore team ready for the race which starts at 4pm today.
RORC Inspection
RORC Inspection scheduled for 10am on Friday morning, June 20.
Having prepared the boat for the race and completed all of the comprehensive safety inspections, the crew of WSI set sail for Wicklow. The boat will be berthed along the East pier in Wicklow this week.
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