Playing Around Logic finishes 1st 40.7 and 4th in IRC1 class! Report from Richard Field....

The Eddystone Race was my introduction to offshore racing. I have signed up to the Round Britain and Ireland Race Campaign. This is one of the qualifying races so that I meet the criteria to take part.

I didn't think I suffered from sea sickness but took some tablets anyway. I got all the side effects – feeling tired, dizzy and spaced out that made me feel awful.

We headed out to the start, crossed the line before the gun and got back to the start line again in quick time. We weren't alone in this but other boats were already racing off.

The crew settled down into the watch system and by the time I was due to get some sleep at 10pm, I was soaking wet and exhausted.

I woke at 2am and back on deck as the winds and the sea grew. It was my first night sail and quite an experience. I saw other yachts heading back the other way and had no idea where we were in the fleet.

The Eddystone Lighthouse appeared in the distance under leaden skies but I gave up the rounding to get more much needed sleep at 6am.

I slept like a log again and was on deck at 10am with building wind and seas.

The various helmsmen did a great job of controlling the boat with the kite up, even though the wind ripped the a-sail to bits!

We then went into Waterworld meets Alton Towers; the boat was broaching in high winds and despite my initial terror, I knew I was in safe hands with the other crew members having loads of experience under their belts.

The skipper and mate were coolness personified and got the spinnaker down the main hatch in challenging conditions by giving clear step by step instructions to the crew.

I had skipped my 4 hours off watch to help out in the rough conditions but this will not be a good idea on longer races as I was totally knackered. Several of the crew were napping on the rail or back of the boat but I slipped away into the cabin.

Another lesson learned was to know where exactly where my kit was. I couldn't find mine or my sleeping bag so spent another couple of hours in wet clothes, which isn't something that's sustainable for long before skin problems or other issues develop.

The sailing kit I was wearing was kindly donated to me for free some time ago and was well beyond its serviceable life. Whilst being from the North East and always happy to "have owt for nowt", relying on substandard kit is a huge mistake as I spent much of the time cold and wet and miserable.

Back up on deck with a cup of tea for the crew, we approached the Isle of Wight in the gloomy distance and crossed the finish line. We heard plenty of activity on the VHF about lifeboat activity, a timely reminder that the sea can be a dangerous place.

My initial thoughts as we motored up the Solent was that I had bitten of way more than I can chew with this campaign and the other people on board were so far ahead of me in their knowledge and skills that I have left it too late in life at the age of 45.

On reflection, the Round Britain and Ireland Campaign is, I am told, the toughest offshore race that there is. This race was one night; how I will manage over 2 weeks is anyone's guess.

The experience has taught me that I need the right kit for the job, keep hydrated, stick to the watch system unless specifically told otherwise, sort out my physical conditioning, read up on sailing and work to my strengths to increase confidence. Cup of tea anyone?

This advice was given in the training weekend a few weeks ago and during a Race Development Week with Sailing Logic; I am living proof that not to heed the advice will lead to longer races becoming unbearable.

I am on a boat with winners who want to win. At this stage I will be happy with just getting through this, learning all the time and not getting in the way. Playing Around Logic finished 4th overall and 1st in the class Of Beneteau 40.7's.

I had a quick drink in the local pub with the crew and it was clear to me there was a great team around me who were supportive and would help me along with an adventure that is going to be somewhat challenging for me to say the least.

Upon arriving home, I slept like a log and have good memories of a wild ride on a fast boat with a safe and knowledgeable crew.

Next up is the Morgan Cup in a few weeks time.

Richard Field