Coming back from the MAP race with some mixed feelings. The great thing: i am now definitely qualified for the transatlantic race, as one of the requirements dictates to finish at least one race in 2023. Kind of a small hurdle in comparison to all the other criterias, but I am more than relieved to have ticked that box. On the race itself, the conditions were stable and predictable. A high pressure zone settled around the British isles provided a steady NE (12-17 kts) with regular series of wind gusts. The first half of the race went quite well, finding myself well positioned in the middle of the field. Lost a bit touch at the beginning but managed to find my way back just before the night settled in. During night, the wind became sturdier reaching peaks of 30 kts. Just after jibing around Birvideaux (which is half way through the race), another fellow competitor crashed port side into my boat, got entangled into the guard lines and my front sail flocked itself around the forestay. This slowed me down for the rest of the race. A slight crack opened up in the boat hull just above the waterline. Luckily no water entered into the boat so that i could safely finish the race. Despite the setback the spirits remain high. The journey towards the transatlantic race is as much about overcoming challenges as it is about sailing.
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