Today we towed to the Golden Gate Bridge, then sailed from there to the Bay Bridge, back to the Golden Gate, and back to the Bay Bridge again. The goal of this test was to familiarize ourselves with the course of the Ronstan Bridge-to-Bridge race on Friday and to plan out our jibes. The day was excellent practice, and we hit a top speed of more than 30 knots with three people, using 50 m lines and a 30 sqm kite. We experienced similar wind conditions to those we expected to encounter during the race, but different tide conditions, so we’ll try to hit the max ebb later in the week.

Great test with the new winch and 40 sqm kite. This time, we used the carbon winch with a 5th-line spool on it and the old A-frame mast to launch. In light wind, we got the boat foiling with four people, then Greg transferred to the Protector, and we practiced maneuvering with only three.

Great test today with the new chair. We repaired the damage from yesterday and took the boat out this afternoon in steady serviceable wind. We had a nice 25-knot run toward the 3rd Ave bridge, and were able to cut back upwind at 20 knots. The weather and lighting conditions were great. Video clip shows the fastest run.