Erik van Vuuren invited Team Triple P to try out the new 10m sportboat from China: The Flying Tiger. So our own Farr30 stayed in hibernation for two more weeks. On Saturday we practiced some boat handling in a light breeze to get familiar with this sprit-boat.

 

On Sunday we started the IJspegel with the Flying Tiger in about 15 knots of wind. We had a fairly good start and a good hold on to the bigger boats upwind until we got stuck in a fishing buoy we were trying to evade. So downwind we had some catching up to do, but luckily the Flying Tiger was the right boat for the job. At the downwind mark we rejoined the fleet and with some excellent boat handling we passed three boats at the mark. After two more laps we passed the finish line third.

 

The second race we had a good start in an increased wind of about 18 knots. Sadly nearing the top mark the jib halyard fitting of the furler snapped and we had to abandon the race. We beared away and hoisted the gennaker to fly back to harbour. In our enthusiasm we wanted to pass the finish ship for some nice pictures, but the gibe ended in quite a big crash. So we put the gennaker away and retired to harbour.

 

More info about:     Flying Tiger 10:  www.flyingtiger.nl

                           Erik van Vuuren: www.vvsc.nl

 

photograph by: Ernst Jan van Housselt (Saturday)