1paulg 17 Posted October 23, 2012 Share Posted October 23, 2012 Race day forecast meant there were a few nerves going into the morning of the race but also a lot of excitement as we had only ever raced her in one casual cruising race. These conditions were going to be very testing!! Part of our pre-race preparation was a full rig check which was comforting to have done. At the start we felt it was unlikely we would risk hoisting any extras from North Head to Tiri so we opted for full main and our self tacker-which is quite small.The start went well and with the other cruising cats just behind us we gybed for the port tack run. The first squall hit and we eased off and the boat responded well. Around us there were several boats broaching badly particularly those who put kites up. On the reach to Tiri the boat felt really good -being a powerful boat she loves a breeze -although this was on the edge stuff with some short steep waves through Tiri Channel.We went through different combinations of reefed main, partially furled jib and full main and jib during the race. It was particularly sobering when we saw Dirty Deeds turned over near flat rock. Imprezza - the Trimaran which had been threatening near Tiri was out of sight at this stage and Fruition was fortunately beginning to disappear from binocular view behind us. On up the coast we were flying along at 15-17 knots with bursts to 19-20 and topping out at an exciting 21.4. Yay our record speed to date! With regular 30 - 35 knot gusts the steering pressure was up there but the boat felt comfortable shedding white water off the decks and windows with ease but soaking the helmsman constantly as he or she stood head through the hatch. We went outside the Hen and Chicks and between the Poor Knights and the Brett we caught the Open 40 and Andar an open 50 having a great battle - they looked spectacular and we managed to get some good video footage which once edited will be posted. It was cool to be sailing along beside these amazing monohulls in a comfortable cruising cat. By the time we got to Brett (approx. 6.20pm) we had managed to pull away from them and joined Fusion X and Titi Nui for a good battle to the finish....unfortunately for us the wind was dropping which wasn’t to our liking as with a self tacker we are underpowered below 15 knots. It wasn’t surprising to see Fusion X power away. The finish (8.20pm) couldn’t come fast enough -it was a tough day out. Well done to all that competed - especially the smaller boats. For us it was good to have put the boat through such a tough test and see how well she came through. 10hrs 20mins - 17th across the line. It definitely exceeded our expectations for an 11 tonne cruising cat. We felt the heavier conditions suited her and priviledged to achieve the handicap win. Link to post Share on other sites
1paulg 17 Posted October 23, 2012 Author Share Posted October 23, 2012 opps - meant to post under updates !!! Link to post Share on other sites
ab1974 1 Posted October 23, 2012 Share Posted October 23, 2012 Well done Paul, P'zazz really flew. Weather bit too heavy to push Fruition hard, and a lost top batten and ripped main just below first reef hurt us when the breeze started to ease. Think we got as close to percy island rock as is possible without actually touching it. Down to 2m between us and the rock as we drifted past in the tide. Motors running but not in gear. We loved the ride and learnt lots. Reckon we could have carried more rag at times but its all a learning curve! Link to post Share on other sites
johnMi 2 Posted October 24, 2012 Share Posted October 24, 2012 Well done Paul, it sure looks like a nice boat, bit different to your last one huh.. Link to post Share on other sites
Absolution 7 Posted October 24, 2012 Share Posted October 24, 2012 Cruising cats aren't supposed to go that fast! http://www.oceanphotography.co.nz/light ... 2&id=34816 Link to post Share on other sites
ScottiE 174 Posted October 25, 2012 Share Posted October 25, 2012 yes they are - that's the whole point of having a good cruising cat. McMoggy being one of the greatest examples in this country! Link to post Share on other sites
Scubash 0 Posted October 25, 2012 Share Posted October 25, 2012 I also think it was to the good bum scrub I gave it! Link to post Share on other sites
Absolution 7 Posted October 25, 2012 Share Posted October 25, 2012 yes they are - that's the whole point of having a good cruising cat. McMoggy being one of the greatest examples in this country! I remember McMoggy was very impressive in the 2007 coastal, finishing ahead of all the 50ft canters while still looking rather civilised: http://racetrack.org.nz/race.php?raceid=16937 Is McMoggy still in NZ, I thought she went to Oz? Link to post Share on other sites
ScottiE 174 Posted October 25, 2012 Share Posted October 25, 2012 Noumea last I heard Link to post Share on other sites
smithy09 50 Posted October 25, 2012 Share Posted October 25, 2012 Nice race Paul. Great to see her stretch her legs. You must be rapt with her. Link to post Share on other sites
1paulg 17 Posted October 26, 2012 Author Share Posted October 26, 2012 Thanks guys....shawn Arber the designer did a great job ..especially with the build as well. Shame. He isn't building anymore....although think he is designing still. P,zzaz was his last boat he built ..and the biggest.... One of his boats .a 38footer was leading in the first round Australia race till it got dismasted. The previous owner sandy squire and his son Pete put a huge amount of planning into the boat.... Will get a video together next week... Was good to see a few cruisers do the race ...hopefully that can build..is such a fun weekend...that band rocked..... Link to post Share on other sites
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