WIND: ESE-15-28 KNOTS

TIDE: L@14.20

COURSE: Foxtrot Reverse

NUMBER OF BOATS: 41

27-Second Nail-Biter Determines Winners in Both Mono and Multi Divisions!

The finish in both Mono and the Multi divisions was amazingly close and was just reward for the boats that chose to hang in and battle the unexpected conditions presented to the fleet. 27 seconds separated 1^st and 2^nd in both fleets and all that came over the line virtually together. Fantastic to watch!! There were 41 entries, 31 who turned up to the start line and 16 who finished. Many had equipment failure and some just decided to play it safe and return to harbour.

A couple of squalls blew in from the SE as the start line was set and with them there was also a huge increase in wind that didn’t seem to dissipate and if anything intensified. The run to the western cardinal off Green Island was the calm before the storm. As the fleet turned to head to the Hope banks RM, the wind was on the nose creating a huge challenge for the beat.  Reports of 30+ over the decks were common. Just to rub the salt in the wound, the RM mark had vanished! The radio was hot with the news and the only thing to do was to sail to a virtual mark, as most had the coordinates marked in their plotter. It was wonderful to talk in the bar at the end of the day to skippers and crew who had nothing but praise as nobody did the wrong thing and sailed the course as closely as possible. After all of that drama, it was a very quick run to the St. Helena floating red before a port turn and back between Green and St. Helena and to the finish line. By then it was a calm 18 knots. I’m sure there would have been a relieving sigh on many boats.  A very well done to all!!!

Coming up:

Next week –Race 5/7 – The Geoff Anderson Memorial Super Series 6/3/2024

Results

Closest to the line: 00:00- TIME AFTER TIME/OUTSIDER. Not claimed x2 next week!

Lucky door prize:EPERNAY-DAVID/JUDY

Lucky crew prize: FINE COTTON-ROB