Richmond Summer Series: Race 4: Consolidating Position

After the threat of rain the evening turned out to be really nice, with a good wind direction, if not a little gusty at times. The boat and crew performed well and we improved in terms of across the line position, coming in 8 out of 10.

Course 1

Another wind warning in force... hang on, that was what I said last week! It was a bit gusty for some, but the Lotus 9.2 took it well, with only a couple of times getting heavy on the helm.

The Crew

John (Skipper), Ian, Dave and Nicola.

The Start

Once we had sorted out the time and sync'ed up with the race control (and GPS) we were in the box in good time and across the line nicely in the mid-pack, and with good air.

Progress

We tried to stay out in the out-going tide for as long as we could down to the first mark - if we have an advantage anywhere in the division it might be 'most boat under the water'. We arrived at the first mark - Devonport Naval - with Blackstar (Atkinson 31) just in front, Takahoa (Townson 32) on the outside, and a Young 88 (I think Raging Hormones) charging down between us all under spinnaker. Across to Resolution it was a bit of a drag race, but we were very happy with our performance - keeping the Y88 honest most of the way over, and picking up a place. Takahoa pointed nicely and was able to go around us all. The run under gull-wing to Rough Rock had its moments with a spinnaker blow-out just behind us, but we lost a bit of ground with being a bit tardy getting up to speed.

We have to polish up getting the pole on quickly.

The Result

While the result is like last week with an 8/10 we improved on line to come in ahead of Crazy Legs (Farr 1020) which we were very happy about. There is still room for improvement and we know it - and our teamwork and coordination is improving.

Now that we can see where we are going, we should start tweaking a few more controls. We did play with the outhaul, and I think that worked well, and I am keen to get the traveller sorted and adjustable, even if it is by leg and not gust.

Final Word

Our prowess in the Clubhouse is UNDEFEATED! with a spot prize of 4 beers to Capt. JHS. Mind you, being given Steinlager Edge is probably the only way I would have tried it...