Light and shifty winds challenge racers in the 6th race of the Gene Wells Memorial Series

The all clear sounded and 9 boats took off in what seemed like slow motion. It was almost a replay of the previous week but with more boats and wind in the opposite direction. Most boats set their spinnakers on the run out to the Ninini Pt Buoy, which made for some very unusual tack angles and spinnaker gybes going out.

Weatherly established a lead and rounded the Ninini Pt Buoy first. Kato and OZone engaged in a battle for 2nd place with both boats rounding the buoy neck and neck. Kato passed OZone, and then Weatherly on the reach back, gained the pole position, and held it till the end unchallenged. OZone and Weatherly remained locked in a battle for 2nd but a bad tack and a backwinded jib by Weatherly’s very shorthanded crew allowed OZone to gain 2nd and hold it to the finish. Weatherly held onto 3rd place to the finish.

As was the case last week, getting a good start was important, and, due to the wind shifts and unusual tack angles, deft spinnaker handling, minimizing tacks and constant trimming for most efficient sail trim were again the keys to winning this extremely slow wind race. Roundings resulted in no fouls and patience was ultimately rewarded.

At the finish, Kato crossed 1st, OZone 2nd, Weatherly 3rd, Fast Company 4th, Speedy 5th, Lelele 6th, Bonjolea II 7th, Iwa 8th and Papa A’u 9th.

After corrections, Kato 1st PHRF; OZone 2nd PHRF; Weatherly 3rd PHRF; Fast Company 1st CLUB; Speedy 2nd CLUB; Lelele 3rd CLUB.

Dinner at the Nawiliwili Yacht Club House was a Chile and Rice dinner, Green Salad and a Peach Cobbler dessert hosted by the crew of Bonjolea II.

The next Race, the Gene Wells Memorial #7, will be held Thursday Oct 18 at 5pm. The public is invited to come out to the jetty on Nawiliwili Bay and observe the race.

-Doug Tiffany, Interim Vice Commodore

Click for results and more photos by Charlotte and Pam