The Dresdner

What a week-end, on Saturday morning at 9.30 we started the ‘Dresdner Channel Island Yacht Race’ with 105 other boats. I was helming, Dave was Spinnaker trimmer, Helen was trimming the spinnaker pole, Aidy was the resident oddjobber/boom sitter and Karen was the squirrel (Person that opens the forehatch to recover sails). Mystere, our 25 foot MG Spring completed the race in 3h 48M 24S, very quick for a 26 mile race. After the hectic start and a single collision with 3 other boats all at once, we stayed well up in the fleet and had no problems allowing us to maintain a consistent speed. We came 11th, a fantastic result and the highest Mystere has ever achieved.
The other benefit of a quick race is the shopping that can be done in the afternoon… Helen made full advantage but did not find the one item she was looking for.

The evening saw us have a great meal in a pasta restaurant Dave had chosen. Next it was to the yacht club for the presentation and a lot of drinks and lots of cheering!! The evening ended with a visit to a nearby nightclub where more alcohol was consumed. I was able to go in wearing shorts and boat shoes… Dave and Aidy had to go back to the boat to get changed… that will teach them not to push in!!

After breakfast on Sunday there was time for relaxing in the sun. The plan was to leave at around 3PM as the tides would be in our favour. The crossing back took a little longer than the race but it was very nice. If the sails hadn’t hidden the sun it would have been even nicer.

Today I am very tired and can barely concentrate enough to write this. As there a number of other big races coming up, the boat needs to be cared for. Some hull polishing is required and the interior needs a spruce up!! No rest for the busy!!