From the Race Site.
“… In two previous editions, the race has been won overall by a Cookson 50. This year, two new teams will be hoping to increase the statistic. Franco Niggeler’s Kuka3 is on a high from their overall win in the RORC Transatlantic Race, and the highly experienced team racing Triple Lindy will be led by Joseph Mele. …”
So no pressure then.
Final day of racing – no wind at dawn, but there was a slight build during the day until we had enough breeze to play in. Off we went with a great start and a solid first beat, and rounded the first mark in 3rd, which considering we’re one of the slowest rated boats in the 22 boat class, was quite something. A reach across to a pile of rocks, and then a spinnaker run down the island, and finally rounding the bottom, avoiding hidden rocks, and a dash to the finish. The final race we’ll have in this Swan was a good one – great crewwork, tactics, and helming – all good. Result was a third, which we felt was well deserved. Overall we were 7th in the 22 boat class, 2nd Classic Frers, and first in enjoyment and camaraderie.
And the wind does blow…. Well up to 18 knots anyway. Long race day today – up around the islands and back through “bomb alley”. We got a bit jammed at the start, and were playing catch up as the fleet headed inshore to the first turning mark. About 10 miles of upwind work followed in a building breeze until we got to the rock we were turning around. Up went the biggest spinnaker, and then we fed through the islands, gybing down the channel, and finally exiting the “alley” back into the open sea and the last few miles to the finish. Phew – a long day!
The girls had a great day as well – big powerboat, italian driver, yachts, beaches, lunch. What’s not to like.
Dropped down the rankings a bit, but tomorrow is another day…
4 erstwhile members of the Triple Lindy gang head off to Charleston SC for some North U training and one-design sailing in 7.5 m Flying Tigers. Practice first then off to Race Week where hopefully the cobwebs come off and the brilliant OD minds that used to be get kick started back into action.
Stay tuned as the Triple Lindy reps become true Melons 😃
After hogging the helm for the past 4 days, the admiral was hauled before a kangaroo court (appropriately), and sentenced to be banished. Loaded into the ships dinghy, with nothing but a case of Shiraz for company, he was cast adrift, only to quickly row around the boat and jump back on board.
Crew are now on half rations.
Admiral back on the helm.
