From the yacht Katinka - 27 December 2006

• NEWS
• 27 Dec, 2006 12:52:00 PM

From the yacht Katinka - 27 December 2006

This email comes to you from the yacht Katinka which is competing in the 2006 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.
We had a good clean start we had our mid range spinnaker ready to hoist but after watching those around us having difficulities with the changing conditions we chose to start under headsail and mainsail only.  This sail selection suited us perfectly as we left the Harbour and headed south.
 
The breeze was up and down all day we used the Number 1 Light, Number 1 Heavy, Number 3 and Number 4.
 
During the night Darryl had an adventure when one of the welds holding the lifelines broke and he disappeared over the side, thank God he was attached by his safety line and Paul and Richard who were assisting with the sail change at that exact moment were able to haul him back aboard.  I am not sure whose heart was beating faster.  Chris deployed our strobe beacon which worked perfectly.  Robert hit the MOB button and Scott rushed on deck as a look out.  It gives one great confidence in those with whom we sail when it all happens so smoothly.  Peter we will have to get you a new one in Hobart.
 
Now that mornig has come the sun is shining, the breeze has dropped and we have all had breakfast and a hot cuppa the world looks a lot rosier.
 
The weather man says that it will be on the nose for the entire trip, if it is no worse than the present we will be very happy.
 
Love and friendship to all.
Captain Sparkles aka Paul and the crew of Katinka