A great adventure successfully completed

Janet and Jeff were available but that was it. I was prepared to go with three. However, at the last minute Nick's plans changed. It was a good thing as we were in for a windy day with 25 knots plus.

In rough seas I am constantly checking on the motor. It loosens itself with the constant pounding. In order to eliminate this anxiety, the motor was stored below. We sailed out to the start.

The wind was on the nose. Not the best CMG. We were late; very late. Papa was already flying for Start IV. I hailed the RC as we crossed the line; I wanted them to be sure that they knew we were actually in the Start III. The committee looked somewhat uncertain, perhaps thinking: 'Are they sane?'. We pounded our way to windward. Four minutes plus to make up!

The conditions were not to everyone's taste. Many of the regulars decided that being cold wet and miserable was not a great way to spend a fall afternoon.


It wasn't long before we could make out Balance and Windburn. We were able to sail closer to the wind. Clearly we were a lot faster. Navigation was awkward as everyone needed to keep their weight out as much as possible. A cold and wet ride for the crew.

We were still behind at the first mark. The next mark was T1. This would be a long downwind leg. It would be a bit dicey flying the chute; especially with the chop and the danger of having the stern getting tossed into a 'Chinese gybe'. “Let’s try.” It was too unstable and we doused it fairly quickly. No one else tried. I figured that it was worth it and it was good experience. Besides no guts, no glory.

The fleet separated. We were on a broad reach, which took us to the north; the other boats in our division kept south. As we approached Gibraltar we tried a wing on wing. Janet was not happy as the human pole. The wind kept trying to rip the sheet from her hand. We got by Gibraltar and then headed to T1 on a broad reach. Our controlled gybes were very good. Our boat-handing and more direct course meant that we rounded just ahead of Windburn at T1.

After rounding T1 we headed into the north shore of Centre Island. There was not much protection here from the wind. Balance went closer. Once again we did well. At the second rounding of Gibraltar, Balance was abeam. There was only one more boat (Kokomo) to catch and they owed us time. It is at moments like these that make me fell very good (!). (Interestingly I had a premonition that something was going to go wrong. Things were just too good.)

Our next mark was Dufferin. We were able to hold a higher course than Balance. On the Dufferin layline we tacked clear ahead. Kokomo misjudged the layline and had to take a couple of tacks to round the mark. That was enough for us to take the lead. Balance was able to make up lost ground and it was a close finish.

Remember my premonition: on the second to last tack the traveller car broke. We held things together enough to stay ahead of Balance. A bullet! It felt great; the successful completion of a great adventure!