OJE in the RS Divers JOG Cowes - St Vaast Race
by Andy Hill 13 May 2012 11:40 BST
4-5 May 2012
J/111 OJE (Andy Hill) enjoyed boisterous conditions on her first offshore race with 20-25 knots forecast. The race proved to be exciting and demanding with the wind starting light and building to 20 knots with gusts in the high 20's. The beat out through the Solent was slow with a relatively light breeze but OJE proved capable, clawing back two places before the Forts after a bad start. Freeing off to Bembridge Ledge she opted to stay on white sails and easily laid Bembridge, whilst Tearaway Two went to kite and made it, just!
Once Bembridge Ledge was knocked off OJE went for the A5 kite. She was initially slightly underpowered but the wave state was big and confused, so conservative was the name of the game. The wind built to 20 knots plus, with True Wind Angle to the boat fluctuating between 130 and 145. Boat speed just kept increasing until they hit a record of 19.9 knots off Barfleur. A sleigh ride was the best description as they cut through the fleet of slower boats, eventually crossing the line after 85 exhilarating miles in 8hrs 26mins 20 secs to win by 36 mins on corrected. Xinska finished in 2nd and J120 Tearaway Too was 3rd.