When the fleet came together on Friday 2nd July at the start line just east of the iconic Lyver building they found a pleasant 8-12kts from the northwest.
After an AP till 1830 to allow a cruise ship to leave, the race officer, Chris Riley, let the fleet go. All clear apart from Paul Hampson s J105 Mojo. Peter Dunlop and Victoria Cox s J109, unsure of the recall, also ducked back briefly.
Tacking up the Mersey and making use of the tide out, the fleet started to stretch out with Jackknife and Mojito at the front, both gradually pulling away from Paul Kitteringham s Elan 350 Finally and Mojo.