Started at the boat, cleared air to the right, and enjoyed a 10-degree righty back across the long starboard tack. Around the first mark we held a little high to keep the air clear and tried to keep the air clear going down wind. Surprisingly didn’t seem to be much of a tidal difference between the sides downwind, but a lot of confused chop made the velocity the most important find out there. That leeward mark came up surprisingly quick with the full-moon rip. The last beat proved more nerve-wracking than we hoped as we debated which corner to cover. Thankfully a reasonably stable breeze allowed us to keep our nose out as we bounced between the left and right hand packs. A 10 degree shift would have sent us plummeting down the ladder. Thank god for that win because the youngest brother and his agenda caused us to be very late for the first start (anyone notice the spinnaker coming at them at the gun? We really hope not.) That could have caused a long swim for that sibling if there hadn’t been that opportunity for redemption.
John Edenbach, #36
John, great race, and just super to see how fast you guys are going this year. RIght now, you guys are far and away in line for most improved.
We on Grace also started at the boat, slipping in behind 166 as they were just a bit too early and with too much speed to close the door on us. We cleared to the right as well, and while enjoyed clear air out to the right and looked good on the fleet inshore for awhile, were disappointed when a few, including 232, came out of there ahead of us. We thought the better air was to the west from under the bridge, so rounded tight and jibed right away — only to see you and 2 others stay on starboad and leg out on a nice puff off the Newport show. Game over, sigh!
Reed Baer, 107