Still not racing

I don’t know what it is with motors, perhaps I don't love them enough, but I definitely have relationship problems. I even got new spark plugs! Motors: can’t live with them can’t live without them. I got the motor to start but then it would sputter and stop. How frustrating. Notorious took pity on us and gave us a tow out to the start line. Thank you Notorious.

The winds were very good from the south west from about 220°. There was a strong wind but not overpowering. Perfect conditions. We had a good start but I felt we were too close to Windlight; they were slightly ahead to leeward. We tacked away. Windburn and Windlight went left we went right. When we crossed, we hadn’t lost anything on Windlight but gained on Windburn (maybe). My conclusion was that it didn’t matter if we were on the left or right side.

We were the only boat to fly spinnaker. Everything went well. At the leeward mark we rounded inside of Windburn but were now well behind Windlight. On the upend leg we once again split. From the first upwind leg it was my thought that it made no difference which side we were on. I was wrong and they both made gains on us.

We had a nice spin set and settled into the downwind. I noticed a drop in wind and tried to heat up the angle. Nick noticed some boat troubles to windward. There was a huge windswift with strong gusts coming our way from the north. Boats were broaching and clearly in distress. We had to scramble to get the sails down and the boat under control.

I opted for complete sail down and I hailed for assistance. We had a dodgy (my beloved!) motor and we were head-on into a major storm. I did not want to take any chances. Avra offered to assist but in the end it was Dragon Lady who towed us in. Much appreciated, Avra and Dragon Lady.

No boats finished. With the missed first spring race, the 2nd race's confusion over division starts, last week’s abandonment by the RC, and this week’s unfinished race, we still aren’t racing!