Shirley getting to grips with Jacobite

Our Europe Gold medallist reports from the Swan Europeans

Day three and my arms don't hurt any more but my head does. We have a computer that tells me if I'm slow, fast, high or low. The more I concentrate the better my results, but unfortunately there is a downside - when I don't concentrate my speed falls off and everyone can tell immediately, so I have to concentrate even harder.
Yesterday was Swan sailing at its best: big downwind legs against the tide in 20 knots. It reminded me of my days crewing in Graduates and National 12s, rock and rolling downwind. But I managed to keep Jacobite on track and just avoided hitting a rock off Gurnard to finish third.

Every day I'm getting better at feeling the boat and keeping her up to speed. I've even adopted a leeward steering position, so I must be becoming a big boat sailor! The crew work is getting better and everyone is very conscious of changing gear and keeping the boat at top speed. I'm also feeling less intimidated by the size of the boat and starting to throw her around a bit.

What is frustrating is being one of the smallest (slowest) boats on the start line; all normal One Design rules go out the window. You know for sure nearly everyone can sail faster and higher than you. In the second race today we started at the starboard end, which at least gave us options. If anyone has a better idea it would be gladly received. Generally you can't go where you want until about half way through the race unless you want to sail in the dirt of a Swan 65.

It's also very odd this handicap racing in not really knowing how you've got on until you come in. There is that time delay when you don't quite know whether to be grumpy or whether to celebrate in the beer tent. So you go the beer tent whatever!

Both races today were very tricky. A weak easterly breeze turned into a westerly half way through the race. It was a real day for head out the boat and we managed to make the best of it. A good pair of binoculars was essential today, I'm thinking hard about investing in a pair for Cowes Week and the full B&G kit, but I think that's probably a bit over the top on a 1720 sportsboat!

I'm really looking forward to the next two days of racing. Finally feeling comfortable and confident with the good ship Jacobite, and now we're in a position to do really well. For now I'm off to a champagne reception followed by dinner at the Squadron...Swan sailing at its best!