FBYC Race Teams travels to Hampton YC Junior Regatta
on Saturday July 3, 2004 01:11PM
In the first 420 race, Alex and Eliza has a great start and had clear air in the light conditions. Strother was in equally good position, until he and Thomas ran into problems with a port-starboard situation and had to do a 720 (the boat they hit went on to win the race). It turned out there was a strong up to 2 knot right to left current and the boats which went to the right were heavily favored and got to the windward mark first. Kathryn and Lina played the shifts and current and ended up getting to the weather mark in 6th place, followed by Alex and Eliza, and then Strother and Thomas.
Downwind our three boats sailed varied courses to the leeward mark, and by the time they rounded they were close together. They rounded in the same order, except Strother and Thomas passed Alex and Eliza in the rounding by getting inside. There was very light air upwind to the finish, Kathryn and Lina tacked safe leeward on Alex and Eliza and finished about 2 boat lengths in front of Alex and Eliza. Strother and Thomas were about 6 boat lengths behind. The FBYC boats got 7, 8 and 9 in the fleet.
Up to seven races were planned, but a large thunderclap sent all boats ashore after the Optis had completed 2 races, and just after the first 420 race.
Thanks to Kelly, Alex and Rob, who brought all the boats and equipment to Hampton from FBYC and I was happy to bring 4 sailors from Richmond. In was a fun day, in spite of the shortened races.