by IanHB » Sun Nov 19, 2006 11:01 pm
Well my hat is off to your superb sailors, Rick West and Jack Wubbe especially.[:D]
Using their own boats which are set up for the USA conditions of light to very light winds and not having the benefit of sails of the New Zealand C rig size,,,,,,,,, ( which when you see the photo`s, you will understand, are the only thing suitable for the 20 knot conditions of Saturday), they hung in and survived what must have been the most extreme conditions they had ever experienced.
For me, being from Wellington, it was simply a matter of changing down and getting on with it. I enjoy a bit of breeze.[}:)]
Having been caught out before with sails too large for the conditions, I know how hard it is to sail an EC12, overcanvased.
A nightmare![8]
Jack and myself fought out for third place which I think we shared.
A well mannered and excellent sailor it was a pleasure to compete with him.
All of the USA contingent along with their wives, were the most wonderful ambassadors for your country, you have every right to be so proud of them all.
Best wishes from Ian Hull-Brown.
DO IT NOW, Before it`s to late