Week 13 greeted sailors with yet another weather forecast that missed the mark—but this time in the racers’ favour. Winds blew at nearly double the predicted speeds, topping 12+ knots, making for a fast, fun, and challenging night of competition under clear blue skies.
As often said, races can be won or lost in the minutes leading up to the start. That rang true last night when one boat forced two others across the start line early. All three were ruled OCS (On Course Side) at the gun. Two boats turned back promptly to restart, but the instigator ironically failed to recognize that they, too, were over early. Only after crossing the finish did they realize their mistake, resulting in a disqualification.
The race course was set on a north–south axis, giving spectators on shore an excellent view as the fleet powered across the harbour.
The A Fleet OCS drama gave way to a nail-biting finish, with Gong Show holding off Bobsled and Bella by just nine seconds. In B Fleet, Straight Jacket continued their winning ways with a comfortable lead, while in C Fleet, Grey Ghost ghosted the pack with nearly a full minute lead.
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Results:
A Fleet
Boat Time
1 Gongshow 1:01:03
2 Bobsled 1:1:12
3 Bella 1:01:24
4 Mongoose 1:01:58
5 Berzerker 1:03:55
6 Northern Harrier OCS
B Fleet
Boat Time
1 Straight Jacket 1:03:05
2 Rumba 1:04:31
3 Tethani 1:08:36
4 Blue Jacket 1:17:36
C Fleet
Boat Time
1 Gray Ghost 0:55:17
2 Blade Runner 0:56:08
3 Andiamo 0:56:21
4 Air Aura 0:56:52
5 Felucca 0:57:34
6 Ruby Tuesday 1:05:13
7 Brigadoon 1:06:57
