CROCS REGATTA
After much contemplation it was decided to enter Crocs Regatta..

Race 1- Double Points- Pursuit race to Bok Point and back.
We got an excellent start, sailed with a dying South Easter with it slowly shifting. A boat behind us siled for the westerlies and got some advantage. Meanwhile the Farr's that started got lots of breeze down the beach so we tried to reach up to try and get it. We could not get into this breeze, so we gybed and sailed the new Westerlies. By the time we got to Big Bay we have to peel in order to clear the rocks for wind angle. We then sailed for way point, peeling back again. Once round Bok Point, the wind staerted increasing with it turing into a tight fetch back to the finish. We managed to come first over the line by about 6-10 boat lenths. We won this race overall on IRC giving us double points..

Race 2- Bay race. Good start, with us doing well on the first half of the beat. nearing the weather weahter mark the wind had all but gone away. As we are a heavier boat we suffered in this condition and even when the wind slowly returned we were unable to make any sort of come back. This race gave us a poor result.

Race 3- Good start, good first beat, yet again the wind died with us struggling to keep going in the fickle conditions. Again a poor result.

Race 4- Average start, wind was at about 25 knots upto about 28. Boat was happy and going well. We made no mistakes on this race, flew the kite on all the downwind legs. While most boats were spinning out and struggling to control, we were happy. We came third.

Overall we came 5th(same points as 4th) if we had finished 2 seconds earler in the last race we would then have come 3rd overall but that is how racing is.

Aboards in total for the event were: Siger, Stefan, Massimo, Walter, Matej, Riaan, Ian, Dennis, Dale, Wayne, Tony

WED NITE RACE:7
Strong breeze(Gusted upto 35knots) we opted to sail with full main and the number three, even though we were light on the rail. We started high up on the line haivng to fetch down to the first mark, this was a mindless leg. The down wind legs were sailed well, with boats spinning out at the gybe mark forcing us to go wide to avoid the "out of controlled". We sailed an excellent beat allowing us to play some catch up.. During the race the main leech lost some stiching so it has gone to the loft ofr repair. On the way up the harbour we assisted a 40 footer by towing them in as they had engine problems. Must say, in gusts of upto 35knts we were still able to tow them at 5 knots... We struggled to enter our own mooring due to the tight turnign area and a gust which caught us at the wrong moment., but no damage. We came 5th, missing second by about 10 seconds. First on IRC. Aboard were: Ian, Dale, Walter, Matej, Assaf, Siger, Massimo, Raphael.

SOME PICS......................

WED Night Race NO:
This was a mundane race, with a fetching course.

HOUT BAY WEEKEND
Hout Bay Trip November 29 - 30
With the Dassen Island cruise cancelled due to no liferaft being on board, it was decided to re-route our weekend cruise to Hout Bay instead, as this does not require the safety of the liferaft to be on board.
We dropped lines at Royal Cape at around 14H00, and headed out into some glorious weather in Table Bay. The wind was 12-15knts WNW, and promised to be a good ride to Hout Bay. Sadly this was not to be, as the wind headed SW,with the approach of a frontal system, that brought with it a fair dose of rain and very poor visibility. We did however encounter quite a few whales off Sandy Bay and Karbonkelberg. The weather lightened up as we approached The Sentinel. We were safely docked in Hout Bay Yacht Club at around 18H30. After squaring the boat away, it was a dash for the clubhouse for a hot coffee (and a shower for Sandy).
After which we went in search of food. First we tried Dirty Dicks, only to find that the building was no longer there! We settled for a dinner at Mariners Wharf.

Sunday morning, breakfast was served aboard, thanks to Sandy. Dale, Bernice and Daniel made an appearance at the marina before we left home. The sails were hosted inside the harbor and we sailed out, as Dale took a pic or two, on our way passed. There was a good 12 knt SE wind blowing, which gave us a steady 8.5 knots out of the bay. The views of seal island and the sentinel being enjoyed by all. Matej tried his hand at the helm, as we rounded the Karbonkelberg and the crane wreck. Once again we were met by the whale brigade, a good twenty plus of them, spread out across the horizon. This time we managed to keep well clear, as we made our passage passed Llanduno and the Twelve Apostles, still maintaining a good 8 knot average. We were tested by a few gusts spinning off the mountain.
As we closed in on Camps Bay, the wind become more and more fickle. I started the motor from about Clifton, as the wind sucked away, for a short motor home. Our return trip, running in at around 2.5 hours. Not Bad ! All in all, a very enjoyable week end.
The crew aboard for this trip, Ian, Walter, Sandy and Matej.

Pics taken by Sandy aboard HocusPocus

VOLVO START
SAT 15th NOV Volvo Ocean Race 2008- 2009 – Leg 2 – Cape Town
All excitement was up as hundreds of supporters made their way through the Table Bay waters to show support for the start of the second leg of the around the world Volvo Ocean Yacht race.
The stream lined beauties glided gracefully through the water at surprising pace given the light breeze, keeping all at awe. With eyes fixed on the majestic yachts, helicopters circled above, broadcasting this phenomenon live around the globe.
The busy shipping lanes and chaotic waters filled with spectators caused postponed start from a scheduled 13.00h till closer to 14.00h.The fluctuating SW blowing approximately at 5 Knots showed signs of some hidden breeze, encouraging teams to do their utmost to ensure a good start.
As the crews bustled for the best position in the final minutes leading to the start, the Puma team managed to pull slightly ahead of the fleet. In what seemed like mere seconds the yachts were out of sight to round the first mark in Blouburg.
Some cunning strategizing was seen as the teams battled to maintain their speed back through Table Bay towards Granger Bay. The wind dropped dramatically to a mere 3 Knots, then lifted again after the yachts passed Granger Bay, as we watched the Volvo yachts leaving the Cape of Good Hope for India, this positive omen set an exciting tone to see who would make it in the fastest time between ports.
Looking at this intrepid journey filled with tactical intrigue, all respect must be given to all the teams. At the mercy of the wind and sea the Volvo Ocean race is undeniably the most demanding and challenging team sporting event in the world.

SAT SOCIAL SAIL-8 Nov
Our usual Satursday sail. Unfortunately the Bay race starts quite early on a Saturday so we were unable to sail. It was blowing in the 30's(Knots) when we left. We decided to take it easy so we put two tucks in the main and the Number 4 was used. The race was finishing as we departed. We did a good sail in the bay and then later decided to sail off to Sea Point where it was calmer. On the way back we decided to sail right upto the club. The top wind speeds were 35knts. The boat performed well. Aboard were: Ian, Walter, Matej, Marko, Siger and Dale.

SAT FUN SAIL-1 Nov 2008
It was dediced in the morning to have a fun sail on the bay. Winds were ranging between 12-18knots, nice flat waters with a SW blowing. Made sure we had plenty of ice aboard. We sailed to Big bay, good leisurely sailing, no probems experieced. Boat was going nicely. Abaord were: Ian, Walter and Dale

PIC....

Pic of HocusPocus aka. BENBA.co.za racing one of the Wednesday night races in about 25knots of winds. This Pic was taken by Kevin Reeves.

WED NITE RACE 3
We were fortunate to have guest this Wed being Massimo from Southern Wind and an Italian, Franco or something similar who is a professional trimmer(who jumped off trhe boat as soon as we docked as he had to ge tto the airport to fly off to a Farr 40 regatta overseas). We experienced light winds which does not bode Well for HP, this with a terrible start pretty much ended any potential of a good result but we did try and claw our way back up the fleet only to be luffed on a reach leg and held in that position for about two minutes by a 50 footer... I think they were scared that a 38 footer could pass them on a reach leg???? Anyway through this manouver lots of boats were able to slip by, thus ending any chance of at least consolidating in the results.
Aboard were: Ian, Dale, Michael, Matej, Walter, Siger, Sandy, Assaf, Tony, MAssimo and Franco(whatever).

WED nite Race:2
Wind was gusting between 18 and about 28.. Feeling in a laxy mood we took a conservative approach and put a reff in the main which we did not really need and a number 3 genoa. We got a good start and a mediocre first leg, on the downwind we suffered as we kept the reef in, good gybe at the wing, the next leg was OK, with the crew getting wet with spray, the last beat gave us the opportunity to make up but we still struggled for power at times.. In the end we came 3rd overall, this means that we are probably currently also 3rd in the series... Aboard were: Ian, Dale, Assaf, Walter, Michael, Matej, Marco and Sandy. Boat performed well, no problems...

SAT SAILING-18 Oct.
We decided to convene some sailing for the general crew to train them further ont he on goings abaord on a Wednesday night race. The conditions for sailing were brilliant giving us about 2.5hours on the water. We focussed on tacks and setting and removal of the spinnaker pole, to pole out the jib. It was a worthy day with everyone getting their hand in. Aboard were: Michael, Matey, Siger, Walter, Assaf, Sandy and Dale. No problems experienced. New Main halyard working great.

WED Nite Race 1(Of Series)
With Summer making its early appearance, the Wednesday night rqcing series has begun. First race started with about 20 knots at the start line. We got a good start and did reasonably well, unfortunately a large cruiser got between us and the bouy with no way of us passing them. We rounded the weather mark and tried to sail low but this did not pay in the end. Good gybe at the wing mark, on the next leg we were enroute to a shipping chanel mark, we saw ship approaching, some boats decided to cut it's bow. We decided that this was poor seamanship and already the ship had deviated away from the channel, pressumably in response to those going over it's bow. We decided to duck behing the ship which cost us in additional distance, making a catch up of the boats ahead of us not possible and shortening our distance of those behind us... We bore away almost onto a run and hardened up behind the ship and went straight for the mark. At the mark we were barged by a larger boat(They did apologise for it later) it was then a beat to the finish with us ducking one or two commercial boats which effected our strategy. In the end we still got a 4th on corrected time. Aboard were: Ian, dale, Rory, Siger, Walter, Sandy, Michael, Matej, Assaf. Boat performed well, we stripped the outer core on the main halyard which will be replaced before the boat is sailed again.

WED NITE FUN RACE
Wednesday night racing has started for the 2008-2009 season.

08/10/2008
Crew aboard: Ian, Micheal, Siger, Sandy, Gavin, Toni and Nick.

Our first race was a lovely sail. The wind was SE 10 - 14 knts at the start, but soon dropped to around 2 - 5 knts and became incredibly shifty, with shifts of upto 40 - 50 degrees on the first beat to Paarden Island mark. At the mark the wind freshened slightly from the South East. We rounded hot on the heals of the Stretched Farr Perriwinkel, The Oyster 39 Touch & Go and the Fast 42 Maestro. The reach saw us hanging in with the bigger boats quite nicely. Which saw us all at the Milneton mark at the same time. Perriwinkel, Touch & Go on the inside of us and Maestro on our outside quarter. On the fetch to No. 2, Perriwinkel lead the pack, followed by Hocus Pocus as we had overhauled Touch & Go, with Maestro still behind us. The wind was sitting at 15 knts. We held our position until a little over halfway up the fetch, when Maestro eventually passed us to weather, and kindly offered us a tow, which we gladly took advantage of, for as long as we could.
Approaching No.2 mark, Perriwinkel was squeezed out by Maestro at the mark. Which saw her luff up and miss the mark and head back at us. She then tried tacking back, which then stalled them square across our bow just before the mark. We took avoiding action by ducking their transom and set about rounding the mark. Sandy at this point got over eager pulling in the main entering the rounding and almost saw us parked on the mark, as the boat tried to power up the beat early. Luckily I managed to free the mainsheet,and we eased over the edge of the mark without touching it. This left us dead in the water for a few seconds and allowed Touch & Go to capitalise on the situation, as she rounded in side us and passed us. Perriwinkel was still behind us as we started the beat to the finish. The final beat saw us hanging in there with Touch & Go . There were a few shifts in the breeze on the final beat, which saw the boats split coarses. We ended up finishing just behind Periwinkel and Touch & Go.
Overall, a most pleasant sail, enjoyed by all aboard.
We ended up 3rd in Class 1 on handicap. Not bad considering we had not officially entered the race!

DOUBLE HANDED RACE-Sat 4th october 2008
The new season is upon us, first event being the Double handed for HP. This one being crewed by Dale and Dennis. The start took place in a 20knot Southerly with flat seas, by the time we reached the outfall the conditions were light and flukey which remained that way until Clifton, the conditions were a bit of a lottery, after Cliftin the Southerly came through leaving us to beat the rest of the way with an uncomfotable chop and winds upto 25knots. We finished 3rd overall. Looking at the weather forcast and the size of the fleet we realized that the chances for a return racve on the Sunday was slim, so we decided to round the pin mark of the finish line and sail back to CT. This was by far a really enjoyable sail, with the sailing being very fast. We sailed 95% of this leg with the self steering engaged as we wanted to test the heavy reaching ability in a seaway. We were suitably impressed.(Both Dennis and Dale downstairs packing the code 0)

SOCIAL SAIL-26 Sept
The boat had not been out for a few weeks as it was decided to do some work on the motor which was not completed on time. Anyway, the motor now has new injector tips, recalibrated fuel fuel distributor, overhauled starter motor and a full comprehensive service.. All good to go.
Social sail too place with a SW blowing giving a fast sail to Murray bay, on the way back a SE was picked up with a beat back in about 20knots... All went well aboard. Aboard were: Ian, Michael, MAtej, Walter, Assaf.

WINTER SERIES- Race 1
Nice southerly, between 15-20 knots but on flat water. The water colour was that beutifull green. Unfortunately we could muster only 4 for aboard for this race, one of which was a beginner on a keelboat. There were 16 starters on the start line.We got away to a good start and a good first leg. We decided to take it conservatiley downwind as we were shorthanded so we used the 1.5oz downwind. We handeled the downwind legs very well and made good(if not tight) layline calls upwind. We struggled for speed upwind due to us being light on the rail but probably made that up with good calls and fast downwind legs. In the end we came first overall..... Aboard were Ian, Walter, Rory(Beginner) and Dale

ROBBEN ISLAND RACE 28/06
This was a pursuit race. 51 entries which just goes to show that everyone loves meduim distance pusuit. We started with Freedon in a light southerly, we timed it well and got off to a good start. The wind was starting to fill in over the bay with lots of holes everywhere. We had to reach up slighttly to the coastline to pick up the wind. We slowly worked our way to the Island without much gain. We could sense a wind shift and gybed, with the wind filling in shortly afterwards with us power reaching for the corner of the island. We arrive there at about the same time as everyone else. We peeled to the Code 0 which in hindsight could have been done later. We sailed around the island with us shifting to the headsail. The larger boats which came with the new breeze were quick to overhaul the fleet here. We tacked in close to the island to pick up the local shifts. As we worked our way into the bay, we decided to shift gears with our genoa, this cost us a bit of time. The rest of the beat was saile dfully powered, which the boat enjoys. We probably read one or two shifts incorrectly but it would have been unlikely we would have caught back any positions at that stage. We can tenth overall which, while not our normal good position did not reflect an enjoyable race which was had by all abaord. Aboard were: Ian, Michael V, MAtej, Siger, Greg H, Mark D, Tony, Dale. No problems experienced.

SOCIAL SAIL-22 June 2008
Usual Sunday afternoon sail. Wind was quite light, upto about ten knots. Sea fairly flat with a NW. Nice sail, sailed past Milnerton. We were fogged in for the return leg which was not a problem. Nice navigation excercise(OK, we used technology instead). Boat worked well. Decided to have the engine serviced etc.. as it has been a while. This will be done in the next week or two.
Aboard were Michael, Matej and Dale.

SOCIAL SAILING-1 June 2008
Light Southerly was blowing. It was just a leisurely Sunday afternoon sail. Aboard were: Ian, Michael V, Matej, Siger and Dale. The water was flat, it was a perfect afternnon for a sail. Boat worked well.

DOUBLE HANDED RACE -24 May 2008
Very light breeze at the start. Unfortunately we were monitoring the wrong channel which we only realized in the final five minutes which meant that we were not set up for an ideal start with us starting on the wrong end of the line a bit off the line and having to dip some slower starboarders. We were underpowered on the beat. We managed a good hoist at the weather mark(o.5oz) and sailed down playing the shifts by gybing which helped us. We did a legendery drop on the leeward mark, a full crew could not have done it better. Again we struggled for power on the beat but tactically we had pulled away from Touch and go, later on there was a wind shift putting them on the right hand side of it so we were quite a bit behind. We managed to catch up on the downwind by playing the shifts and puffs with us finishing just 1 boat lenth behind then. The small boats were not too far behind in these conditions and tehy were being sailed extremely well. We came 3rd on line and 4th on corrected time. Dale and Ian were aboard. The boat worked well with no problems.

EXTERIOR PICS

For those who are wanting to get a glimpse on some of the exteriro shots of HocusPocus. These pics were taken with a cell phone on a miserable wet wintery cape day so please excuse the quality.

INTERIOR PICS,

Lots of sailors have asked what the interior of HocusPocus is like. These pics were taken in cold miserable rainy weather with a cell phone, so please excuse the quality.

SOCIAL SAIL 17 May 2008
As we had not sailed the boat for a while we decided to take the boat out for a social sail. The winds were very light. We went to try and watch some of the sailing as there was a regatta in progress but the winds were too light. The boat was working well. Aboard were: Ian, Siger, Rael(Guest) Dale.

KPMG RACE Saturday 05 April 2008

Crew: Ian Coward, Greg Harrowsmith, Walter Paige, Micheal, Matej and four Varsity student guests.

The race started at 14h35, the coarse was Start - No.2(S) - Milnerton(S) - 2(P) - Finish at the No. 10/Wall

We had a bad start having been squeezed out at the pin end, after being held up by a very slow moving Muira at the gun. We recovered well will a hasty tack and gybe at the pin, which saw us start about 6-8 boatlenghts later. We were still held in dirty air after the start which saw us tack off on to port and head to the right of the coarse to clear air. This was to be our nemisis, as the wind became light and switchy. While the majority of the fleet kept to the right of the coarse. This saw them sail clean over the top of us, as we wallowed in our private hole. It took a series of short tacks to get us back to the breeze, by which time, we were well and truly at the back of the fleet. It was to be a game of catch up the rest of the race.
We caught and past about five boats by the time we reached No.2 mark. This was followed by a Gybe onto starboard at the mark and saw Michel and Matej prove their very first attempt at poleing out the Code1 for the run down to Milnerton. The wind faded a bit more as we progressed down the coarse, passinfg more of the fleet as we went. We put in a gybe about two thirds down the run, as the wind turned more westerly. Only to be followed a short while later by a pole down as it swung back to NW.
We had a resonable rounding of the Milnerton mark, which saw us looking much better as we caught up to a Simonis 35 and the MountGay 30 Just Fun. Midway up the beat the wind started to freshen up, much to our likeing, as we overtook the Simonis and others. Approaching No.2, saw us on the tail of the L34 Spectrum. We rounded the mark and reached off for the finnish line. Realing in the L34 , the J27 Pure Magic and the MountGay30. We managed to cross the line ahead of Spectrum, hot on the heals of Pure Magic and Just Fun.

"Not one for the record books" as they say. But we did get our student working through their paces in the cockpit, as Greg mentored them throught the manouvers, one student at a time. I believe all on board enjoyed the sail non the less.
We retired to the Bar, for free drinks and food.

DOUBLE HANDED RACE
This was a normal club double handed race. Ian and Dale sailed together. The breeze was very light with it continueally dying throughout the race. HP managed to come 3rd overall. HP was beated by the two sports boats who sailed the conditions extremely well.

Walvis Bay pics...cont... (Courtesy of Greg Harrowsmith)

Walvis Bay Pics cont.... pics courtesy of Greg Harrowmith

Walvis Bay Race pics.... (Courtesy of Greg Harrowsmith) cont......

Wavis Bay pics cont.......

WALVIS BAY RACE -Namibia
The start was on Monday 10th MArch. We got a great start, first over the line on the pin end, we tacked onto port and prety much stayed there. We shaved past Dassen and onto Columbine. Conditions were flukey. In our first 24 hour run we did 138nm. The second run involved the wind feeing, kites up with a growing breeze in which we managed 211nm. Eventually the breeze became too strong and we dropeed the kite and eventually had us sailing with two reefs in the main and a number 3. Just before sunset we had a full blown gale running which forced us to drop the main and sail only with the headsail. The seas were very confused with the odd wave been taken over the stern or quarter. During the following morning it was stil blowing but managed to sail goos winged under two fore sails. Over the next day or so the wind moderated with us slowly sailing again under kite and then our lite kite. Soon the NW filed in with us fetching and beating in. During the night hours it was very flueky with us soetimes struggling to hold any speed. We were still in the running. Hi Fi was about 70nm ahead which in good conditions would be about 12 hours ahead. As things would hapen they finished around the time the wind dorr closed. With us being out at sea still for an extra long time. We started to get the wind again(SW) while getting closer to Pelican point with us cutting it fine and a nice fast sail accross Walvis bay to the finish. We came 4th on corrected time and basically comleted the course in 5 days and 2 hours. We used SSB for communicating and had no problems with this, we made quite a few phone calls with this system. CT Radio were great as well as Walvis Bay Radio. Catering was done by Greg Harrowsmith, all was good here and all were well fed. The boat experienced no major problems with just a bit of chafe on one of the sails. Aboard were Dale, Ian, Sarel, Walter and Greg.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT RACE (5 Race)
We started in a light Southerly wind. Good start and good first leg. Struggled a bit in the next leg to Milnerton but held in going to Number 8. At number 8 we rounded just behind some of the spinnaker class boats which pinched up quite a bit. This cost us valuable time so weeventually decided to tack off and do a short dog leg and then back to the finish. We came second in our clas missing honours by one second. Not bad. It was a beautifull summers evening. Aboard were: Ian, Dale, Walter, Michael V, Matej, Assaf, Danielle(Guest), Robbie(Guest), Tony Strutt(Still a guest)

DOUBLE HANDED RACE
Course was Daeyang Family and finish at Milnerton. Ian and Dale aboard. It was a beat to Daeyang in a dying breeze which did not suit us. We struggled to keep the boat going with the boats with the larger foresails making huge gains. Once around the mark it was a reach to the finish, as we got closer to the mark th ewnids steadied giving us a nice sail but no chance of redeeming ourselves in the results. Our final position was 4th on corrected time.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT RACE (4th Race sailed)
We had a meduim SE wind. Nice start, unfortunately the fleet tend to sail above the mark which costs all valuable distance nevertheless we still rounded where we should have. The next leg being a reach we needed to protect our breeze with a boat threatening to sail aove us which would have cost us. The last leg of the race was a beat with freshening breeze which was sailed well starting with a good leeward rounding. We came second overall. There is one more race in the series. Aboard were: Ian, Dale, Walter, Michael V, Sarel and Dudley from California...

MYKONOS RACE:

RACE 1: Cape Town to Mykonos
8:30am start. Almost no wind. We got a good start on the weather side of the line. The wind freed off so we hoisted our code Zro. Our game plan was to pass Robben Island on the Western Side as Westerlies were predicted and light ones to start so we felt we needed to get the wind first. Going on the outside of the island is risky and something we would normally not risk.
The winds were light with us doing many sail changes and a few gybes. About halfway to Dassen Island the wind statrted to settle with us sailing with the .5oz kite doing about 7 knots, flat water and really pleasant sailing making it all worth it. It was at this point that we could get visual of the boats that went on the inside of the island, we realized straight away that they had better winds and that we had lost out. But that is how yacht racing works. We managed to make the heads at sunset with a nice sail accross the bay. We came 3rd in our class.

RACE 2: Bay Race
This is a pursuit start. We were bang on time for the start. We sailed a good beat working the current and lift in our favour. Closing in at the mark with the wind strenthening we wanted to cancel our 05oz kite. With the mark approaching we deiced we did not have time to change it so we will chance it(Risk blowing it) We had a good hoist and a very fast sail down tot the next mark. We sat on our main opponents quarter for the full leg. We rounded just behind then. At the next mark there were a few L34's between us which would have given us dirty airs if we had sailed for the shore so we tacked on the mark. The next leg was quite good with us keeping the boat going nicely. We managed to pass Freedon on this leg. We sailed around the and sailed a conservative leg. On the next mark we had to tack away quickly to avoid dirties again. On this beat Freedon overtook us, but we cunningly took our lead back and opened it up a bit. Round the Island and Kite up. At the nexxt mark we gybed but did not bother with the kite as it was a short leg and the wind was already over 30 knots. HArdening up on the leeward mark for a long beat we realized we were overpowered. Freedom had already put a reef in for thisd leg. Newvertheless we sailed on and managed to pass SWJ on this leg, leaving only two boats ahead of us. We hoisted the kite on the downwind giving us a great sail tot he finish. We came 1st in our class and 3rd in the bay race.

Overall: This was a great race. We came 1st overall in our class for the whole event.
Aboard were: Ian, Dale, Sarel, Michael V, Matej,Walter, Mark.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT RACE (3rd race sailed)
Since our previous sail we had the pulpit straightened. At some job this will be improved upon or the pulpit replaced in order to make perfect but it is workable again. We also had the impeller for the log replaced. This was damaged in Salvador and finally gave up the ghost at the same time we replaced our Headboard Car with one which was brought in from Denmark. I call it an investment if you take the weak rand at the moment. THE RACE:
We got a good start but we struggled occationally for power as the winds were very light which our sail combination is not suited towards. A few larger boats powered over us. On the downwind we hung in with the bigger boats and maged to stave off those beind us. On the leg to Number 8 the boats behind seem to have got the wind first and they had a larger sail component so they caught up, especially in the lighter patches. Getting close to the leeward mark AL(Another Farr 38 with a different sail configuration) was on our tail so we hotted up in order to get to their weather in ordeer to at least protect our rights for the mark. We rounded well and sailed a "tricky" beat finishing just behind Majimoto and ahead of AL. We came 1st overall. Aboard were: Ian, Dale, Walter, Siger, Michael V and Tony Strutt(newbie) Boat performed well. Log was calibrated during the race.

Wednesday night Race(2nd in series)
Nice South Eater Blowing. It was a tighht start with lots of barging resulting in us being pushed and a altercation with an innocent boat. When the gun went we decided that we were over the line and went back and restarted which cost us some time. We sailed a good first leg, mainly in dirty winds. On the downwind we cleared our air and ventually caught the stern wave of one of the 50 footers coming through which gave us a tow. We gybed on the inside of everyone at the mark and managed to catch a tow on Majimoto for the whole of the next leg which really pulled us up in the fleet. We hardened up for the beat with the wind now blowing quite strongly. We judged the layline and tacked. On this part we were able to overtake Majimoto. We needed to do a hitch to lay the mark. At the mark we struggled to bear away and gybe but once we had done that it was a good sail to the leeward mark hardening up to beat for the finish with one tack. We came second overall being beaten by the catamaran. We felt that we had sailed a good race. If we were not over the line(we thought we were, by miles, not sure if the bridge saw though as there were others ahead of us) and did not go back we might have one. We sailed good legs and good lay lines and roundings which helped make up the time. Aboard were: Dale, Ian, Walter, Sarel, Siger, Mivhael V, Matej, Mark D. Boat performed well, pulpit needs to be straightened.

DOUBLE HANDED RACE
Saturday 26th Jan: Dale And Dennis sailed this event two up. One could see the wind line at the start but at the start line there was very little wind nevertheless in comparison to the rest of the fleet benba hit the line with speed at the right part of the line. All the boats struggled to keep going in the light breeze with Benba being the first in the new breeze. The breeze rapidly picked up and although we set up for a spinnaker hoist at the weather park, by the time we were there it was too windy. Instead we poled out for the downwind but ended up in sailing too low. Once rounded on the leeward mark(Milnerton) we beat back to Paarden Eisland. The wind had by that time increased to over 30 knots. On the second beat we decided to put a reef in. Just before the weather mark we stripped the outer core of the genoa halyard and we had to make a quick plan to stay in the race. The final leg was a reach to the finish. We can 1st overall. Boat performed well. Damaged one halyard and stiching on the No:3.

WED Night Race
First race of the new year and first time that HP is sailing in our newly relegated class, now sailing in Class One.
We got away to a good start, as it is a fetch we struggled to keep clear wind as the larger boats slowly sailed over us. We sailed a good downwind overtaking two of the other Farr's and held our position on the next leg making ground on the bigger boats as they sailed "great circles", we sailed a good beat and called a good lay line. At the weather mark a boat in a different class stalled at the weather mark and then struggled to bear away causing us to loose some valuable time. We rounded the leeward mark just ahead of the Farr 40 which we overtook on the beat and held them off untill the finish. We came 1st on corrected time. On board were Ian, Dale, Sarel, Siger, Walter, Michael V, Matej.

BENBA.co.za
Hocuspocus will be sailing under the name BENBA.co.za for the next few events. Benba has come aboard as sponsor. More info can be found on www.benba.co.za