There was a disturbing forecast of thunderstorms; but that wasn't until late afternoon. The big problem at 11:30 was that there was absolutely no wind. The RC hoisted AP as we drifted. After about an hour's wait the wind slowly filled in from the south east. We had enough to start. The course: Gibraltar, '3', times 2. It was almost windward leeward.
We had a good start; first to the windward mark. On the downwind leg Balance was able to gain (see photo). I decided to tack away; to avoid being covered by Balance and with the hope that the wind would be better away from shore. I waited too long to tack back. At the leeward mark Balance AND Windlight were clear ahead. OOPS! Windlight had spinnaker problems and by the time they sorted things they were out of the race.
The plan now was to follow Balance and hope to stay close enough for a PHRF win. It worked. A first on the first! The rain arrived at 16:00 just as we were finished derigging the boat. We were ready for some much needed refreshment (thanks Nick) to celebrate a good first race for the 2009 AHMEN series.
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