Mixed Signals

Wednesday July 11. Another blustery day. The wind was gusting 25 knots plus from the northwest. We changed sails on the dock (Jib - Genoa) and then again while waiting for the start (Genoa - Jib). Although we seemed to be "settled", we were not confident about the timing. Jack Rabbit started (but crossed noticeably later). The committee boat did not fly 'X Ray'. Actually there were no flags on the RC Boat, and that would be consistent with a proper third start. However something wasn't right. A lot of boats didn't start. How confusing! I decided to go around the pin and restart. The decision was based on our lack of confidence in the time; we crossed at 18:49 and the start would probably be at 18:50. There were a lot of other boats below the line. As we were rounding the pin, "three" , our five minute warning, was hoisted at the committee boat. Oh, so we are in sequence!

The committee did not hoist our 3 rd start warning at the 2nd start. We are so used to the normal sequence that we didn't bother to check the flags after the warning for the 1st start. It was fortunate that we were "early", since it convinced me that we had to go back.

Not that things were easy. The motor fell off due to the choppy conditions. Charles and I manhandled it back on board while David kept us from tacking. Not fast. We did fly the chute on the second downwind leg but it got fouled. Fortunately the fleet is mostly composed of fair weather sailors and didn't want to race in 30 knot gusts and Jack Rabbit didn't get the start figured out. I wouldn't describe it as an easy first, but a first is a first! We have tied Jack Rabbit 3 to 3 in our match ups. The motor started "normally" so seems to be OK. No damage and a First!

A good start to the summer series.