Richmond Summer Series: Race 3: Not Last

It was the noisy new green flag that did it! Yes, a full crew and wind, and a 10 boat fleet as well, very good, and well up on last week. We were all at the boat in good time, and we were out on the course practicing tacks and staying out of other people's way.

Course 1

Another wind warning in force... and this time there was wind all over the course [Bean Rock peak 32, average 25, from 218]. Down to Devonport, across to Resolution, straight downwind to Rough Rock, Orakei and home before nightfall - 9.7 NM.

The Crew

John (Skipper), Ian, Dave and Nicola.

The Start

We started from up the harbour, approaching the line from upwind and not too much speed on. We did misjudge the time to the line and were a minute late, but not last over. By the first mark we were right up with Nevenka, Pot Black and Crazy Legs. So we were very happy to be mixing it up with them.

We moved the genoa cars around, starting with them quite far back, and then moving them forward a bit. Homework for Ian - if the bottom tell-tales are rising, is it forward or back for the cars?.

Progress

We stayed with the fleet all the way round, not pointing as well but not going too slowly. We could have been a little better on the line if we had got our 'second-to-last' tack right - then it would have been our last tack, and we would have made up 30 seconds - which would have changed the result. The helmsman was a bit optimistic when comparing lines with the Farr 1020.

Ian called 'Starboard" on a Y88 near the Bastion buoy - very deliberate and forceful... nice work - they got the message.

The Result

We set out not to be last, and to be home before 9:00 - we certainly did that and more. Good work guys! Based on this effort, and the experience we are gaining in crewing and boat setup, next week we will do even better.

And our record back at the clubrooms is intact with Nicola taking out the spot prize.