Lac Bay, Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean

NP EVO5 7.8, iSonic 127 Ultra, Drake Carbon Race 44. Wind: 12 knots      I launched about 4 PM.

Well, turns out that even the 127 and a 7.8 is just barely enough to get old fatty on a plane in 12 knots of wind. As per usual, the run to the mangroves went well but was pretty slow going getting back to the launch area. The slightly downwind run to the mangroves felt good. Board handled nicely. Went a little too far into the shallows and caught the fin on the mud bottom which ended the jibe attempt.

What went wrong today: First off (and I don't want to hear any comments from Roo), even though Roo told me last Spring to replace the rubber u-joints, I noted it but didn't follow through when I got to Bonaire. The good news is that rubber u-joint failed as I was carrying the gear to the water. Switched to the u-joint on my second base and made the run, although was thinking about the u-joint the whole time since they are the same age. Secondly, when the wind is really light, like today, I have a bad habit of using my head/helmet to rotate the cams in the sail on a failed jibe. I did this today and the old sail responded with a six inch rip in the mylar... Good thing I'm getting new sails in a couple of weeks and the wind looks to be very light for at least the next seven days.

What went right today: given the lack of wind, I figured I would stroll over to Jibe City on the off chance that they would have Chinook u-joint rubber. Not only did they have it, but they keep it in the refrigerator to slow the deterioration process!! Tomorrow is u-joint rubber replacement day. Also, while I was there, I got their last Severne 26" to 32" adjustable harness line set. Nice looking lines with clearly marked, sewn-in inch increments so it will be obvious what line length I'm at when I'm messing around with the harness lines. Now have good lines for both my carbon booms.

A couple of shots of my new-to-me 2017 iSonic 127 Ultra board...