The wind has finally dropped off, and the swell reduced so we can finally start the Mini Air 2012 race around the islands today (Sunday) at 1100. Yesterday I was able to get out of the marina for a sail to test a few modifications on the boat, ensure the auto helm is working without any problems, and also calibrate my wind instruments which I have been unable to do since fitting the new wind wand. All these tasks I have been expecting to do in the past week but it has been far too windy to even leave the marina.
Because of the delayed start the race has now been shortened from the 300nm (Valencia – Palma – Ibiza- Valencia) and we are now sailing a 225nm course from Valencia around the island of Ibiza and back to Valencia. It will be a very interesting course with lots of light wind and strategic local conditions as we sail around Ibiza that we can all look forward to and try to get the most out of. The race can be viewed by going to http://yb.tl/air2012. I am sailing the RG 650 that is called Katabatic Racing and has a sail number of ESP 816 and hull number (Mini Transat Number) of 816.
Final briefing is at 0900 this morning, after that we will get towed out of the marina. Mobile phones and computers must be given to race officials and then we are on our own for a light wind 2-3 day race around Ibiza.