After a fun day windward-leewarding in the Atlantic off St. George’s, it was time to bring the boats home.
The course was a Le Mans start with boats heads to wind, no jibs, at the gun, followed by a spinnaker run through Town Cut and out into the Atlantic. A turn left into the Channel and off we went on a tack to “The Crescent”. This spot is 6 miles north of the island, and has great views of the island, and is surrounded by shallow clear water - wonderful spot. A tack at mark 12A started a long tack into the Great Sound, followed by a rounding of 102, and a spinakker reach back into the Harbour and home - 22.5 miles later.
We had 7 boats on the line, in slightly less breeze than yesterday - 18-20 knots. Off we all went with double-handed crews, and a great spinnaker start. Most of the boats attempted to cut the corner on the way out, but a yell of “oy” sorted them out. All the boats were overlapped at the first mark, and then set off in prcession up the first channel, honouring all the marks (as was the rule). Heading north away from land was a new experience for some, as the island got smaller and smaller. Sun was shining, the water was warm and the beers were cold.
Erin’s technique was to foot off for speed, Siren was to pinch up and sail fglat, and Sadiiqi was to keep dry if possible. All three boats were neck and neck for most of the way out, with Sadiiqi taking the lead by the halfway point. Soliase after a good start, dropped back a bit before Neil work up and charged forwards again. Overstanding a mark lost him the ground he’d gained back though.
After several hours of this fun, boats finally rounded 102 and with the pole forewards Sadiiqi hoisted first. On Solaise a committee meeting was held to discuss whether or not to use the chute. A brief recess was called to make and down a rum and ginger, before the foredesk was sufficiently braced to hoist the beast. A coupl eof boats spun out slightly on the way in, but soon all 7 were running down the harbour, chutes flying.
At the finish, Sadiiqi took the gun (which was a horn, but taking the horn can’t be right can it?). Then Siren and Erin, or was it Erin and Siren - the post race celebrations blurred the day a little.
A great sail - lots of burned and thirsty sailors, and what a way to round out the weekend.