Way back in the dawn of time, (well 2007 anyway), Rohan blogged about a 10% gain. Well today I can confirm that I got one as well, with more still to come.

I hit a new peak top speed of 22.20Knots (41.12km/h), which is 10% faster than my previous 20 knot peak. I was actually more impressed with the fact that was set against a significant run out tide, in the opposite direction so the actual speed is probably a bit higher.

So the boat continues to get better, I finished 20 minutes behind Dave, and I am really looking forwards to the states at easter.

Well Saturday’s race was held in a building breeze that finished off at around 25 knots at both Kurnell and the Airport. With a three lapper, a handicap start and a new main foil under the boat. It was always going to be an interesting afternoon.

I was a minute late for the handicap start, as I the first boards shown were for the 29 min start … doh … I ripped off the line in a nice 15 knots of breeze, and after my first tack, lead all the way around the first lap. I arrived back at the start line, after 17 mins so Dave still had 12 mins before he started … looking good.

I completed my second lap in 18 mins, passing Phil at the bottom mark after he had broken something. The breeze had built to around 20 as I headed back upwind again, the last downwind was a bit more interesting, as the breeze was still building. I rounded the bottom mark, still with a healthy (but decreasing) lead, of 1/2 a lap or so and I only had to travel back downwind 100 meters to take the handicap win.

Little did I know that my foil packer had slipped down and my main foil was flapping around in the case, and my height adjuster had broken, putting me up to full height.

As a result I couldn’t sail downwind, even with the main foil unclipped, as the boat would either submarine or fly out.

I decided that enough was enough, and headed for the shallows and dragged my boat across the finish line to take second place, as no one else had finished.

I am really looking forwards to the states ….

GARAGE SALE: out they go MANIC 1 AND MANIC 2 and unfinished 3rd boat. Well known boats, capable of beating anyone. Treat yourself to something different and stand out from the crowd. Prices depend on mast/sail/foil combos. All boats `lovingly` maintained.

So my brother and his wife have embarked on the build of a Farrier F22R Trailerable trimaran and like all keen boat builders he has started a blog about it.

The farriers use a very interesting technique where they vacuum bag on an open half mould. Andrew just made a cool video of the 2 hours laminating of one of the inner skins of the second ama.

You can follow the progress at www.andrew-mcleod.com.