AYC Race to Oxford and Walloping Return

Trip dates: 
Saturday, May 8, 2021
Trip length: 
1 day
Type of watercraft: 
Sail

Fast Race with solid and gusty NW wind 12-18.  CHESSS class, good start, lauched spin for downwind beam to broad reach.  Twisted spin in a gust at the end of the leg and continued with main to jibe a 80A.  Beam to close reach to Choptank light, then a beat to Oxford. 3h 47 41 elapsed time, finished 17 minutes behind first place CHESSS boat with identical 144 rating - not bad.  Turned around to come home.  Rounding Black Walnut Pt got hit with rain, hail, squall, 35 + knots, motored with double reefed main past Sharps Light then set up staysail on a heaving deck for upwind to Annapolis. strong winds until sun dropped.  Arrived 2100.  65 miles sailed. Top speed 9 knots, top wind gust 46. Woohoo.