Save the best for the last (Summer series race)

There was some indecision with sail selection. Uri generously advised from the sidelines that we should go with the jib. I am not a wimp and did not want to leave the dock without the gennie. Chris didn't want to change sails without ample time pre start. We sailed out with the gennie and after a few tacks switched to the jib. That was until we saw Jack Rabbit with a genie. We had more than enough time to switch back. Chris was OK with the switch back as clearly we needed to be competitive with Jack Rabbit.

The course was more or less due east. However the windward mark was skewed enough that you were almost on the port tack layline from the start line. Candlelight was below us and was our only problem. We seemed to sail higher and so were able to get clear air. As we approached the windward mark there was a slight lift. As a result there was absolutely no reason to tack before getting to the windward mark layline. Jack Rabbit was slightly windward and had to duck starboard tackers (including us!) on the windward mark layline. At the windward mark we were clear ahead of the our fleet. We had a good mark rounding and chute hoist.

The leeward leg was strickly on starboard gybe. There was a good leeward mark rounding. We got the pole down; the chute was free flown; the genie was hoisted; the chute was windward douse; we rounded up on port right at the mark. Everyone did their job well and worked quickly to get us in good position for the upward leg. We were now well ahead of both the PHRF IV and V fleets.

At the windward mark Jack Rabbit forced Candlelight up. Jack Rabbit was able to consolidate their second place finish. It also meant they would be well behind the first place finishers!

What a great race. The crew has really improved over the past three years, especially in working as part of a team. This was the last race of the summer series. The official results have not been updated. However, I am almost certain we have won the summer series and the overall season. A great race is a great way to finish the season.