2015 Fall Series First Race Day - Sep 26

A special thanks to Ron Nash for running the regatta in my absence.  I wish I had been there.  His summary follows.
Keith

The First of the Fall Regattas got off Saturday, Sept. 26.  Five boats entered: Pax, Z Cat, Matsya, Bogy, and No Lizard.  The starting line was set up at mark I, just south and east of the shallow islands.  In general the wind was from the NE. The course was I-D-I, port rounding. 

We had a good, close start for all boats.  Pax got to the pin first, sailing the upwind leg well in the shifting winds.  No Lizard got her spinnaker up after crossing a few lines in the process, but after sorting that out, made good time on the downwind leg.  The uncorrected finish was Pax, No Lizard, Bogy, Matsya, then Z Cat.

Second race was I-A-I, port rounding.  The wind appeared to be from the NE again, we had a close start.  Pax took a tack to the East, while the rest headed more north, before making the easterly tack to the pin.  Pax got it right getting to the pin well ahead of everyone else.  When the rest of the boats got to the pin, the wind became non-existent.  Pax caught the following wind and finished first way ahead of the pack, while everyone else was wondering where the wind was coming from.  No lizard was next with Z-Cat way too close behind not to correct over No Liz.  Matsya then Bogy finished the positions.

Third race was I-D-I, starboard rounding.  The start was fair, but No lizard was behind at the start. Matsya had single handed the first 2 races.  Her famous tactician (Julie) had to work Sat. morning. The pin D was set up not far from the boat ramp.  The famous tactician swam out to meet Matsya, and she finished the race with a full crew.  The wind was again dying at the pin (that did not hurt Matsya too much getting Julie aboard).  It was busy around the pin with Z-Cat, Bogy and No Lizard all close. Z-Cat made a good move, heading west and found better wind.  No Lizard had her spinnaker up, but found the wind shifting to the NNW and having to jib the chute. Pax as usual, finished first overall.  Z-Cat grabbed second, followed by No Lizard, Bogy, then Matsya.

It was a good Regatta, in spite of the crazy wind.  At one point in the second race, we actually got 20 plus knot bursts, lasting only a few seconds, but sure making one drop the main sheets fast.  At another point the wind rolled around about 300 plus degrees in direction.  But it was still great fun. 

 

 

I am looking forward to next Saturday, October 3, for the second Regatta of the Fall Series. 

Ron