The speed is impressive: after a good start, we are well ahead of all the X-yachts, hold the fast Mumm 36 and can sail with ease even in 18 knots of wind. No tangled ropes on board, yet everything we need is there. The genoa tacking point adjustment and the mainsheet and traveller are the decisive throttle levers. If there is too much heel, a short aft furling of the outhaul helps. The genoa opens at the top, the pressure is released. The optimum height takes some getting used to, even for the helmsman on board. This is a problem that IMS designs have. If you sail a little deeper, the Speedo starts up strongly. But how much depth is still healthy? Only one thing is clear: in choppy waves, the GRP ship does not like to be bludgeoned. After all, no super-light high-tech laminate can help here. But this does not pose any major problems.
The speed is also impressive downwind. The larger X-442 types (must be 26 seconds per nautical mile faster) never caught up with us after three crosses and two downwind courses during this race. I had an exciting race with a boat that sailed superbly. Thank you for the visual lesson in manoeuvring. Then another inspection trip below deck. I realise: everything is there, everything is in place. The First 40.7 not only deserves the racer in its type designation. It will also fulfil its role as a cruiser. But first she has to compete successfully in the Commodores' Cup.
