Since it had been windier later, we aimed to get to the centre after 1. By that time it was 4.7 weather, or at least in parts - some parts were 6 m, other parts were 4.2! I took a 4.7 North in fetching purple, not sure of the model, and a Fanatic 95 Freewave. All would have been well, but for the fact that after the first run out and back, I went to turn on the inside and the mast jumped (or so it felt) off the mast foot!! Not good. A quick check revealed the insert in the rubber UJ had burst, thus losing grip on the threads of the screw holding things on the board… A nice lady also from the centre, possibly Ben's gf, helped me swim back with the stuff. I probably could have made it, but it was kinda important to let someone else know what was going on, in case. Thank heaven it wasn't on the outside - a much longer swim! I'd have probably ditched the sail.
Once the mast foot was replaced, it all seemed to work ok, the Fanatic was easy to use, if a bit slippery - the non-slip seemed determined to pitch me off at lots of critical moments. However, it was incredibly gusty, and I really wasn't on it, getting more and more frustrated. And that's how it stayed really. Maybe I was tired from yesterday, but somehow, just one of those days when nothing seems to work. I tried a different sail, a Severne Gator, a very springy wave sail, in 4.2, which was great in the stonking gusts, but really hard to get going in the lulls, because it didn't seem very easy to pump, being so springy - no feeling of resistance, and you couldn't work your weight against it because it kind of gave way. Although I did stop for breaks, to eat an apple and later a banana, and chat to the OTC guys, it wasn't the best day.
Which is a pity, because it was lovely and sunny, and probably the last windy day, judging by the pants forecast for Saturday. Ah well. Better luck next time :-)
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