Smith Point Race

Out on the boat today for the Smith Point Race. A pretty good crew today, with Austin finally able to join us again. We started the race in light downwind conditions, and absolutely nailed a hectic start. Unfortunately the start was so hectic RC called a general recall, and our second start wasn't so sharp. We worked hard to keep the boat moving in the light air, and gradually worked our way east. A thunderstorm brewed up south of us and several boats retired, and we capitalized on the breeze coming off the storm to press north. Once we got out of the good pressure we continued to sail gybe angles, and made our way back toward the western shore, where Austin correctly predicted generally better breeze.

By the time we reached the top mark, we had passed several boats, including our rival Diablo, and set ourselves up for success on the upwind. We discussed favoring the western shore on the way back down, but ultimately chased good breeze back east again. The breeze got a little too good, and we executed a reasonably successful peel to the 3 before taking our lumps and crossing back over the middle of the Bay in plenty of breeze and waves. Once we reached the western shore, we had to drop the headsail and put it back up to fix a stretchy halyard issue, and we carried on our way. As night fell, we pulled off a timely crossing between two commercial vessels, and took an easy beat to the finish. Diablo got back ahead of us on the upwind, but we still managed a second place overall. A long, hot, punshing, rewarding day on the boat and ultimately our efforts paid off. Good practice for Gov Cup coming up in a few weeks.