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…
“Among the Swan Classics by Frers, a category which sees seven yacht racing across the Maxi and Grand Prix classes, the Swan 44 MKII Triple Lindy, owned by Joseph Mele, sits in the top spot followed by the 651 Lunz am Meer.”