LESSONS LEARNED

Racing is a much more demanding test of both boat and crew than cruising. For instance, on the return leg we would have hoved to while replacing the pilot cable, making it an easy task. Equally instead of beating into the easterly gale at the end, we would have headed into Brest or Camaret.

The winner, Pierrick Penven, told me he let his autopilot drive 99.9% of the time. Know your pilot and its settings inside and out, look after it, and it will reward you.