Escape Race Report After the wind howling through most of Saturday and the forecast promising 25 gusting 35, I had no great hopes for the day but nowcasting stayed down for Bean Rock and the race was on. On board were Pete, Rich, Will, Gina and Tim and the southerly was putting the winter in winter series. At the start Eye Spy was sailing up the line so we dipped below them and had just enough clear air to live below them. But Trev had Eye Spy pointing up and sailing fast and our two tacks to get clear saw us playing catch up not just to Eye Spy but with High Spirits as well. We were back a bit at Meola but the two in front were having a good tussle and we were able to slip down to leeward and get a bit more tide so closed it up a bit at Chelsea. The leg back to Meola was a good one for us. We got the boat well set up, the team hunkered down on the rail and climbed over the top of the other two boats. A quick leg back to Chelsea and then the long haul home. High Spirits sailed a good line to Kauri Point and dragged back some of our gains and Trevor was not giving up. We would have been sweating if it hadn't been so cold but despite the team on High Spirits getting to just a boat length behind we hung on to take the win. The warm feeling from the wind was just enough to ward off the bitter breeze as we motored home and even a third on handicap could take the buzz off the day. Race report from Eye Spy I woke to find a very bleak looking day outside. Gill had already texted to enquire if the race was on as it was blowing a gale in Muriwai. I got to the club early and was straight to the VHF to see what the conditions were like at Bean Rock. 19knts average and peaking at 24knts with a strong wind advisory for all areas. Looks like great conditions complete with sunshine. I had a few enquiries from other skippers and the confirmation of race came from the sailing captain. I secured Gill, Mark and JK to crew once again. The course was No.3 which was Meola, Chelsea, Meola, Chelsea and home. We chose to hoist full main and No.2 headsail. The start line was a transit start as there was no ODM placed. We hit the line well and moved to the front of the field of three: Eye Spy, Escape, High Spirits High Spirits was a little late to start but soon made up the time. Escape and Eye Spy immediately got into a tacking dual. We gambled on being able to get to Kauri point on the one tack. This paid dividends as we made ground on Escape who threw two extra tacks . High Spirits was doing well and snuck up ahead of escape as well. This is fun!........all three boats similar in performance. We rounded Meola first and eased off to Chelsea. Around Chelsea and begin the beat to Meola. All three boats are very close and Escape is able to out point us. Damn damn, he rides over the top, steals our wind and we stop. Nice move Trevor………. High Spirits also gets ahead. The current positions would follow through to the finish but the gap between us was only 1 min 10 secs. Eye Spy first on handi-cap and on start line. Well done to my crew once again. What a great day for a sail. Steady winds, sunshine, good company and close racing. Lets hope for a larger race fleet next time. Thanks to the start crew. |
Race Reports >