Farewells to our fellow pontoon-mates as the last minute rounds of crew shots are taken.

We headed out early to do a kite run - some of us had never seen X-To-Sea under sail before. That she sails beautifully was confirmed by our fantastic start (I think Andrew is treating this like another Sydney to Hobart!) We ended up with two Swan 60s nearby and the rest of the fleet behind us. An hour and three quarters later we caught the first of the racing division.

A fine soup and vegetable casserole and we've settled in to our two watch system of four, wonderfully. It's a great night out there!

Yachting World, 24 November 2003