Following a mediocre day yesterday, there was hopefully only one direction that today could go. The sun was out, but there wasn’t any wind. Postponed racing for an hour moved our start time from 11 to 12.
Race 1. Great start at the boat. Wind was blowing about 6 knots. I tacked off right, and then took the first shift back again to stay with the fleet. Making my way left, I was looking good, but it went back left a bit. Leading back right, shy of layline, I thought I would have the advantage if it came back right any. Unfortunately it stayed left and went even a little further. Outside on a lift. No bueno. Rounding in 10th, I was still in it, but the top 6 guys were launched. The best I could do was 7th. Holding 7th throughout the race, I let one slip right before the finish to take 8th. Not bad.
Downwind Mark Approach - Photo by Sander van der Borch
Race 2. Knowing that it was very important to get to the left side of the course in order to be in that top group on the first beat, I shifted down the line, and got into it with the pack. Again, I was almost sure that it was going to be a general recall, but again I was wrong. I had to tack out and take every stern. Right side again, I was quick to take the first shift back to stay with the fleet. Rounding the weather mark in the high teens, I was able to get things going. I passed a few on the run, and then just got in sync with the shifts on the second beat. Leebowing every boat I was able to weasel my way through the fleet somehow and found myself in 10th. Passing another on the run, I finished 9th. Man did I have to work hard for that one.
Race 3. This is great……. Just as the first 2 races proved the left side was the side to be on, the wind shifted slightly right, so I nailed the committee boat start. Looking great!!! Making my way left, covering the fleet, the guys that had to tack out for clear air all took my stern and then hipped up on me. Still winning the race though. (me thinking) “ok…. any time now..waiting for the wind to clock back left and give me that chance to take it back …..” Nothing!!! Instead the wind persistently shifted right. It was amazing. Everyone that crossed behind me, were now clearly ahead. Cutting my losses, I tacked over, and just got in line. 20 something at the first weather mark, I had to make some gains. This was the windiest race of the day, maxing out at about 12 knots. I was able to make some gains here and there throughout the race and took a 15th.
Although the results don’t seem to be that stellar, I was really happy with my sailing, because most of these races, I had to battle from behind and fight hard for these positions. Flat water conditions keep the speed differences very minimal, so tactics and fleet management are crucial. Thought I did well with that today.
2 races scheduled tomorrow with a 10am start time. More wind to come.
RESULTS AFTER 6 RACES
Click on Laser
http://results.deltalloydregatta.org/
