Circe acquitted herself well in the 2nd series by winning the last race and therefore the series. The last race was a humdinger. We had a full crew and then some. Audrey, Kathleen, and Nansi did foredeck, Susan was on main, Steve and Pam cranked winches, and Skipper Ron tried to point the whole lot in the right direction. The wind was out of the west at about 12 knots, perfect for the heavy #1 so, for once, that was an easy call.
The competition was Abracadabra and Veloche. Blue Streak was still off cruising.
The course was a long 4x around windward leeward. We started toward the pin end and if Skipper Ron had been more receptive to Kathleen's instructions we would have got the jug but that allowed Veloche, behind and to windward, to claim that honour. The fleet continued on starboard tack then one by one from weather tacked over. We tacked to cover Veloche but that allowed Abra, to leeward and ahead, to tack on top of us. So we had to eat her dirty air the whole port tack into the mark. That allowed Veloche to round ahead if us as well but we caught her on the run and got buoy room at the leeward mark and stayed ahead of her for the rest of the race.
The recut #1 worked like a Trojan and allowed us to point with the J boats with good speed. The wind was gusting to 15 on the final leg and the boat still sailed well. Susan had a challenge on the main traveler control lines due to an equipment failure on the starboard jamb cleat lead but managed to get the main in despite it, with some occasional help from Steve. The foredeck crew was impressive with the pole, having taken Steve's cheat sheets - get it up, get it down - to heart, despite the welcomed encouragement offered from the backend. They are starting to get a bit lippy though and as well as philosophical. Pam and Steve also worked like Trojans cranking in that BIG sail on each tack. Their system is working well, whatever it is.
On corrected time Circe finished 1st, Veloche 2nd, and Abra 3rd.
All in all it was a great sail, a great race, and a good series.
Well done, Circe crew!!
This Wednesday is the first race of, sadly, the final series. Susan is doubtful due to an unexpected commitment. How's it look for the rest of you guys?
Skipper Ron