Round the Lights Race

Old Point Comfort Yacht Club 'Round the Lihgts Race. 52 boats entered on a windy day. Winds forecast 10-15 gusting to 20 diminishing in the afternoon. Instead 15-20 with gusts to 25 and it built. Double handed and not ready to reef. Were flying on the downwind and hit 9 knots ground speed. Never had anywhere near that under sail on Wine Down before. Ended up retiring near Hampton as we were being overpowered. Numerous rig failures incuding one dismasting. 20 boats retired. Waves near five feet in the Bay near Thimble Shoals.