meet the hi fi crew...

Hong Kong Vietnam race 08

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This race is run every two years by the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club. It finishes in Nha Trang and is 650nm long.

The race is traditionally downwind and this year the wind gods didn't disappoint. Sailing on the Welbourne 52 Hi Fi we were confident the mix of fast downwind and lighter breezes towards the end would suit our boat. Amongst the small fleet of ten boats were our main competitors Island Fling (rp tp52), Ffree Fire (tp 52), Mandrake (Mills 50), Full Metal Jacket (Corby 43) and Ambush (Mills 40).

The start line was a little chaotic as most long races are and we had a short beat to windward before setting the A2 and getting into some vmg running. We quickly overhauled Mandrake and Ffree Fire before chasing down Island Fling. The breeze increased and we made a swift change to the A4, which we kept up all night. Moving the halyard and tack line every watch change to avoid chafe we settled in for the night. The waves got bigger and better for surfing and the moon was out making for perfect sailing conditions, just what the vietnam race is renowned for. We could see the lights of Island Fling all night and both boats seemed to have their favoured conditions. At times we would be faster and lower and at times they would have the advantage.

In the morning the breeze increased and we had a small windcheck, unfortunately blowing out the a4 in the process. We quickly recovered and hoisted the a3. Our speed wasn't down much but we did have to sail slightly higher. After a short gybe onto starboard to avoid some islands we gybed back onto port and headed once again for Nha Trang. By lunchtime we'd sailed approximately 360nm, it was a fast night and we knew the press would be talking up the chances of breaking the record. We knew the breeze would back off and we'd have to contend with some tricky thunderstorm activity before the finish though.

During the day we backed off a little and hoisted the jib top for a while, there was over forty knots true wind and in the confused seaway we were better off with this sail anyway. As the afternoon wore on and we got closer to the Vietnamese coast the predicted thunderstorms began crossing our path. It was wet, wet, wet and the wind was all over the place. We had been able to see Island Fling all day, they were on our port beam most of the day but as night fell we lost them and we weren't to see them again until later on Friday. It was proving to be an exciting close race with our 52 foot competitor....

Friday dawned bright and sunny and we could see the coast of Vietnam. Unfortunately there was no wind, and with the haze over the shore it took forever for any kind of seabreeze to build. We took advantage of any puffs from the big grey clouds and made slow progress towards the finish. When we finally sighted Island Fling it was good news, they were behind us and offshore. As the breeze slowly built we were on the wind and knew we'd have our work cut out to hold them off. When the wind lifted us and both boats cracked off however, we hoisted an a5 and started to draw away from the Fling. It was a nervous sail in to the finish, getting into the bay under the a1 with a fading breeze we knew anything could happen and our hard-won gap could evaporate. The Nha Trang fishing fleet on their way out for the night welcomed us with their loud diesel chuggas and big lights. We finally finished around 8pm with Island Fling finishing 40mins later.

After a quick clean up it was off to the famous Nha Trang sailing club, for some well earned drinks.

Thanks to the RHKYC and the sponsors for running the race and to Neil Pryde for providing us with the boat, gear and crew to win...

Back in Sydney this week. It was a great fun tour up in Hong Kong and Vietnam with the Neil Pryde Hi Fi team. A more complete report will follow of the downwind sleighride that is the Vietnam race (well the first half anyway!) but for now it's off to get a Farr 40 ready for this weekend's regatta up at Pittwater in Sydney.
sam

race to vietnam starts tomorrow

We've just stepped off the Hi Fi after finishing preparing the yacht for the Vietnam race which starts tomorrow. All the sails are loaded and food, water and spares onboard.
Our last crewmember Bruce Clarke arrived yesterday and he's already put himself into contention for the next yellow jersey...
sam standing by in wan chai, hong kong...

China Coast Regatta 08

the china coast regatta has finished and we're now preparing for the vietnam race. it was windy to say the least and the Hi Fi doesn't seem to like going upwind in a breeze. we ended up third after island fling and mandrake.
the boat goes well downwind though and we're looking forward to the vietnam race which starts on wednesday.
more updates to follow

yellow jersey update

the quest for the yellow jacket 09 has begun.
the firrst three days of the tour have seen the jersey awarded to the following:
day 2: cosi for poor starts on day 1
day 3: silas for clipping himself to the jibsheet before a tack then being wound into the block
day 4 and thee start of the vietnam: sam for off boat offence

Arrived in Hong Kong wednesday morning and checked into our hotel before going to the boat down at Clearwater Bay.
As usual there was lots of work to do but now the boat's in good shape and we're ready to go sailing today. More crew arrived today and now we've got the full complement.
More detailed reports to follow....

asian tour 08-09 begins

Welcome to sam hunt's blog.
I'm going to post reports from the various regattas I'll be doing in Asia and Australia this summer.
We are flying to Hong Kong tonight to sail on the yacht Hi Fi in the China Coast Cup and Hong Kong Vietnam Race run by the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club.
Tomorrow we'll be working to set up the boat before training on Thursday when the rest of the crew arrive....
sam standing by in sydney....