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The return leg of the Regatta took sailors on a pursuit race from Middle Island to Chesterman Rock, south of Lamma to Cheung Chau Rock, Hei Ling Chau to starboard and to the finish near the entrance of the DB Marina Club.
After a review of the previous results and the forecast wind conditions, handicaps were subtly adjusted to define start times for the return to DB. Unfortunately forecast winds did not hold and early starters benefited from the dying breeze, but even leading boats Skellum and Bliss couldn’t hold off Ross Dawson, sailing two-up aboard Calamansi. Starting last, 1 hr 12 mins after the first boat, she had steadily worked her way through the fleet and overhauled the last of the competition (many sailing far too deep for the light airs, see “Tip of the Day” below) just a mile short of the line. Sadly, the wind then faded, making it hard work for many to finish.
Calamansi‘s total of 2.75 pts, with a time-differential decider over Harlequin, was enough to sweep the silver for Division A and Combined; Skellum taking the Div B trophies with two firsts, 1.5 points.
Following the race, the Discovery Bay Marina Club had prepared the Prize-Giving Ceremony in style at the headland with a delicious buffet.
As always, the DBYC is grateful for their sponsors’ contribution. In particular, the DBMC for generously providing free berthing, medals and a fabulous dinner at the Headland, in addition to their friendly and efficient service. Other prizes were kindly sponsored by The Water Margin, FH and Private Label.
Thanks also to the support crew on board Bevin Brakespear’s “Outsider”, Saturday Race Officer, Ken Wiltshire, our mobile race statistician, Jim Fernie and Paolo Alvera for the handy MIR Cooler Bags.
One thing spotted by Race 2 and Overall winner, Ross Dawson as he slowly overhauled all the competition on Sunday’s pursuit race, was how deep most boats were sailing, given the conditions. In true winds below about 5 kts, a glance at your polars will show that for best VMG, you should aim to sail about 135 degrees off the true wind. That translates to an apparent breeze about on the beam! Symmetrical or asymmetrical spinnakers were therefore irrelevant - you should be sailing a beam reach in the light stuff with either. When falling into a hole, or trying to accelerate after being stopped by ferry wash, you may need to bring the apparent wind (any zephyr that may remain) even further forward in order to keep the boat moving. Try it next time - it might just help.
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* Overall winner with even points, corrected time difference used to separate first and second place in division A and overall.
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* Overall winner with even points, corrected time difference used to separate first and second place in division A and overall.
Read about Day 1 here.
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