Fast Company Clinches 2016 PHRF Spring Shakedown Series

A light south-southeast wind was present on Thursday, March 24th as sailors from the Nawiliwili Yacht Club prepared to race the sixth and final race of the Spring Shakedown Series. The Race Committee looking out over the water at the harbor jetty assessed the sailing conditions, and setup a “Kona” wind course for the 7 race boats. This particular course directed the racers to start in the opposite direction than the usual trade winds course. The first leg of the race was towards the inner most buoy before sailing out of the harbor to the Ninini Lighthouse. Unfortunately, the lead boat OZone rounded the Ninini buoy counter-clockwise and had to give up their lead. They had to back track to round it clockwise as this was another difference with this particular “Kona” course. After PHRF corrections, Fast Company finished first followed by Papa a’u separated by 18 seconds, with OZone finishing third. Placing first in the Club Open was Coyote followed by Speedy, then Weatherly.

Overall the PHRF winner of the Spring Shakedown Series is Fast Company with 7 points, second place goes to Papa a’u with 10 points, and third place goes to Ozone with 12 points. The series winner in the Club Open goes to Coyote with 10 points, followed closely by Speedy with 13 points, then by the trimaran Trinity with 18 points.

The next Nawiliwili yacht race series is the Rum Race Series and will commence on April 7th. Spectators can view Thursday’s race from the jetty wall area of Nawiliwili Harbor, or from the access road. First flags fly at 5 p.m.

Rear Commodore – Kevin Arndt

Click for photos by Charlotte and Pam