Galway wrap-up, Rotterdam

Unfortunately the trip to Galway has come to an end. It was a great experience to be part of the Volvo festival. We had a great week practice sailing, while being able to enjoy the view of the volvo boats. Most of the week there where light winds. Last friday was a great sailing day. Saturday there was plenty of wind sometimes too much with guts well over 25 knots. This was great wind for the start of the volvo leg to marsstrand. However thanks to the waves of the huge spector fleet and the gusts It wasn't easy for a moth. We could give a show to the spectators of how fast a moth can be. My topspeed clocked during this day was 26 knots. We also showed how you can make spectacular crashes. One time I hit the water with such a speed that I bounced two times on the water before sinking in it. A spectator boat nearby was applauding and yelling "we want more...". Great people the irish :-)

Hereby also a picture of the start day whereby I was sailing close to the beach, lined with hundreds

of spectators. The water was pretty cold and it was sometimes very difficult to shake of the ventilation of the rudder. (as can be seen of the spray from the back).

Today it is up to Rotterdam to sail the same course the Volvo boats are going to do for the coast of Rotterdam. This time with my own boat and Puma sail. This is a race to see which boat can beat the time of the Volvo 70's. It will be for the first time to sail a moth on the open water of the North Sea, for sure it will be a new experience!