I had an excellent start to race, leading the fleet out of Port Medoc with two great Code zero runs. Next was a beat out of the estuary, before strating on the long reach down to Bayonne.
I had been having problems with the auto-pilot before the start but thought I could fix it once we got onto a straight leg. Unfortunately not long after the start, the whole electronics system failed and I was left to hand steer. This was not too bad for the start but once we were on the long leg the wind constantly changed and demanded rapid sail changes. The wind was coming from a very tricky direction to balance the boat for self steering, and every time I left the helm to attempt a change the boat would head up and flog in the wind or try and crash gybe, neither of which are fast. I persisted to hand steer for 24 hours and ran through the whole electronic system but to no success. Even with the problems I was still up in the front pack of boat and looking fast. But I had to except that I was done for this race. With great disappointment I turned back for Medoc.
It was a real set back to be out of the race and I was very angry for the first part of the sail back, but it gave me a good chance to reflect on the positives. I had a great start and great boat speed on the other competitor. I learnt a lot and now have more jobs for my ever growing winter work list.
