It wouldn't be an RBI without a gale!

Right. We've got that out of the way now - the obligatory gale that
mother nature throws at every RB&I. Off the west coast of Ireland we
had winds of 30-35kts consistently with gusts up to 40kts, i.e. Force 7/8.

The winds put huge pressures on the rig and despite our best effort to
stop any vibrations there is always something rattling. The leading
edge of the mainsail, held in place in the mast at regular interval
rattles away. Fine tuning of the mainsheet merely alters the frequency.
A consequence of sailing at 90 degrees to the wind. No chance of sleep
then.

But it was the sea state that caused most challenges. Imaging riding a
bucking bronko at the Rodeo for three hours at a time. Or being in an
industrial washing machine. Lunging and lurching around with no chance
to sleep off watch. Forget trying to cook! Even if the appetite was there.

Damage report - the dynema line on the kicking strap disintigrated under
the loads. By using a "Handy BillY" we managed to secure the boom down
and replace the line (memo to self - add this to the winter list each
year). The Jib Top sail is torn about 0.5m near the clew. We think the
block for the sheet flogged itself open and as a result the jib sheet
was pulling down at the wrong angle subjecting the sail to unusual
loads. Will save that repair for Barra - we have plenty of kevlar sail
repair cloth and the means to fix it ourselves. Will mean less time in
the bar!

All things considered we have been doing well and still racing a full
speed. We are enjoying the company of Insomnix and Greyhound, both
faster boats to pace ourselves against.

Looking forward to arriving in Barra this evening in time for beer &
scallops.