OZone scores another first place

The second race of the Nawiliwili Yacht Club Junior Invitational started with a bang. Well almost, the port tack Bonjolea II, a Sydney 36, starting on port tack converged on the starboard tack Papa a’u, an Express 27. Bonjolea II tacked over but not before the skipper of Papa a’u felt collision was imminent and made a coarse change. A protest flag flew from Papa a’u’s rigging signaling the intent to file a formal protest later with the Race Committee.

Then the race got serious. The 5.92 mile course sent the boats out to the Lighthouse buoy were the racers felt the power of the north wind which was gusting to 17 knots. After rounding the outside mark, some skippers elected to immediately set their spinnakers in the open seaway beyond Ninini Point. Spectators ashore and juniors on board the boats got a thrill of a life time as boats struggled to maintain control under a full suit of sail area. The eight boats made their way around the course which included another exciting ride out to the Lighthouse.

Trinity, an F-28 trimaran, crossed the finish line first with spray flying from her lee bow barely visible above the water’s surface. Even with an elapsed time of 1 hour, 3 minutes, and 42 seconds, their PHRF handicap rating gave them a corrected time of 1:12:31, giving them 7th place.

OZone, an Olson 30, was the winner collecting first place with a corrected time of 1:06:53, giving them 2 first place scores for the 4 race series. Papa a’u finished second place with a corrected time of 1:08:33. This effort gives them a second place in the series. Bonjolea II and Fast Company both finished with corrected times of 1:08:03 placing them in a tie for third place pending the protest hearing. Club Class finishers were: Trinity, first place; Coyote, a C&C 38, second place; and Weatherly, an Olson 30 with third place.

The Nawiliwili Yacht Club website offers an animated replay of each race with a virtual view of the boats, landmarks and buoys. The realistic display might fool the seasoned sailor, but arm chair sailors and landlubbers alike are cautioned to take their seasick pills before viewing.

Kevin Arndt – Rear Commodore

Click for photos by Charlotte and Pam