It’s been a difficult few weeks with the passing of one of my closest friends. We had spent so much time traveling around the world together sailing but mainly having a lot of fun while growing up and then maturing. Bart was like a big brother to me, always looking out and helping me out when it was needed. An amazing guy that I will miss so much.

After a special send off for the big man I escaped to Italy for a bit of a break before heading to Elba for Act 3 of the Melges 20 circuit. Portoferraio was a beautiful spot with the winds not so beautiful, light and shifty conditions from the sea and then gusty and strong conditions from the mountains.

After a fourth in race one and then being clear of the fleet in second, round the bottom mark and rounding the next windward mark in the teens it was clear it was going to be a tough regatta.

The final day of racing was great for team Stig with two wins and a fourth to take the overall victory. It was nice to finally win a Melges 20 event after coming close a few times.

I’ve enjoyed a bit of time at home, filling my days with a bit of moth sailing and too much housework! I’m off to Sweden this weekend for the next leg of the RC44 tour with Team Ironbound. We still have lots to work on but I feel the team is getting stronger so hopefully the results will show that this time!