Very light winds caused problems...
 
As expected from the forecasts earlier in the week, we had very light winds, and to top that, our start was postponed for 10 minutes for a large container ship to come through.
 
Getting to Hurst was a bit of a mission, and as we approached, the wind completely died, and we were in danger of getting a little too close to the shingles.....which seemed to have moved from the charts - but, at least we had tide running with us, so managed to get through the Needles, past the fairway bouy, then headed out towards Swanage.
 
We had some tide with us - but for how long?  We tried everything:  the new A2, headsail, the ACE kite, but there wasnt really an awful lot going on - we had less and less wind as we progressed:  5knts, 4.9knts, then finally, before the tide changed direction, 1 knt.
 
It was at this point, that we realised with 100 miles to go, it was highly unlikely that we would make Eddystone before Sunday evening, (we had a whopping average of 3.4 knts) - we had raced 31 miles.  With the forecast looking to be much of the same for Sunday and Monday, we decided to retire.
 
A motor back to Cowes found that both East Cowes and the Yacht Haven were full, so now, here we are, back in Haslar with Groslch beer courtesy of Molson Coors and lasagne courtesy of Mrs Bailey (thanks Louise!) - and we're now to celebrate Andrew's birthday - Happy birthday Andrew!

As of Monday morning, there are many retirees - and still quite a few yet to finish.

Results:  http://www.rorc.org/raceresults/2009/mythofmalhamroundeddystonerace/msov03.html