#melges – There is lots of news today...the good news first, Prof (Maurice O'Connell) and Suzie had their second child, a bouncing baby girl of 9lbs and 11oz. We had some champagne to welcome Josephine and Prof and Suzie were the toast of San Francisco Yacht Club this afternoon writes Conor Clarke.
Bad news today too... Embarr was in a collision today but unfortunately we were not the only ones and our crash was very minor compared to our friends Argyle Campbell and the team on Rock'n'Roll. They were in a major collision with a larger yacht at a mark rounding during the second race today. What we have heard is that two crew members, including Argyle, were taken to hospital and that the boat is severely damaged. Argyle and team have been getting quicker and quicker and are one of the top US teams. They are serious contenders next week and we really hope they are all well and get back in the water in time to compete at the World Championships.
For Embarr there were some difficulties too. After two false starts and general recalls the Melges fleet finally got away but just at the start we were hit on the bow by another boat. The entanglement that ensued meant we were last off the line and trailed the fleet up the beat. When we hoisted the kite for the downwind leg we found it impossible to keep up with other boats and boats that we had passed already were able to simply drive by seemingly effortlessly. We could not get the boat going at all. We finished in 21st and immediately crawled forward to inspect the bow where the impact had occurred. We found that the pole exit was smashed and far more damage had been done than we had originally thought. The impact to the pole slowed us down considerably and we had to back ashore to repair the damage.
We will be out on the water again tomorrow for the last two races of the Rolex series and more practice. Hopefully we can stay out of trouble but above all we really hope Team Rock'nRoll recover and are able to make it back on the water in time. We wish you well Argyle.
