Solo/Twin Race 2017, Episode 28
This week was the solo/twin race out of Newport Yacht Club. The race is run every year for single handed, double handed, spinnaker and canvas. There is also a multihull course. Great race and great group of sailors. Roy Guay and his team at Newport Yacht club do a fantastic job with the race. They also run the Bermuda 1-2, and The 160 which is a qualifier for the Bermuda 1-2.
With my late start this Spring due to workload this is my first race. Of course if there is a solo class that is what I am sailing. Feeling like I am just starting to get the boat up to about 80% of her speed potential, this was a great race to learn a lot more about the boat, and just have fun.
The course was shortened on Thursday night prior to the start on Friday due to a NE blow coming, early Saturday well into Sunday. After I finished and went back around Beavertail and up to Dutch Harbor, the breeze started. Along with some very ominous clouds when entering Dutch Harbor at 03:30.
We had a light South breeze at the start and enough to sail out the bay and upwind to the MOA 9 miles South of Narragansett Bay. At that port rounding we bore off to a tight reach to Gay Head off the Vineyartd. Then almost reciprocal course to a mark 3.3 mi South of Pt. Judith, then headed to Castle Hill light house to finish off a 120 degree bearing.
Most of the race there was nice light breeze to keep moving well enough. But 3 mi from Pt Judith mark it went very light and started doing the East predicted shift. I stayed with Code 0 and did not switch to masthead runner, Code 0 is fractional. Still think about this move and not sure it was the right one. But four jibes later in 1-3 kts of wind and I made it around the mark. Then it was still light wind, until I did two steps upwind into the building NE wind. Back on Starboard tack and I raced into the bay with a lot of the fleet in sight.
I was second boat in fleet to finish, first to finish in my class, and first on corrected time in my class. So Kincora first race is a win. Still feel there is a lot to learn and a long way to go till I am up to speed. But a fun start and nice it was single handed.
Off to Maine for a little break. Keep enjoying summer and see you soon.