NYC Racing Season Opens with Sunny Skies and Gusty Winds

Sailors in the NYC Opening Day Regatta were treated to sunny skies, flat water, and gusty winds in the first races of the 2019 racing season. Six teams competed in three races and three hours of racing. This is the only day that provides multiple keelboat races on the same day with several opportunities to gain an advantage with the best start.

The forecasted strong winds did not appear initially and the boats all elected for a full mainsail for the start of race 1. By the middle of the race the wind had strengthened and boats were struggling to keep under control. Several boats elected to reef for the second race, however, the wind strength went up and down enough to re-think the decision and by the 3rd race most had gone back to a full main. The reaching starts for the first 2 races had the boats charging to clear the jetty for the first mark at the Ninini Point buoy. The gusts demonstrated the importance of focus and good crew work. Close mark roundings provided excitement for the crews.

Papa` Au, the smallest boat in the series, was very fast, managed the gusty conditions well, kept pace with the larger boats and took first in the PHRF class with 2 wins and a 2nd place finish. Bonjolea II secured a second place finish with 1 win and 2 second place finishes in the PHRF class, with OZone edging out Weatherly for third. Iwa, the largest boat in the fleet, took advantage of the strong winds and reaching conditions to finish very strong in Club class with 3 wins. Weatherly finished 2nd and Speedy third in Club class.

Thanks to the Race Committee on the Mole that did a great job managing the race courses, starts, and finishes!

A Cheeseburger lunch was enjoyed at the clubhouse after the racing with time to talk about the day’s racing.
Thanks to Charlotte Ross for getting the meal together and all who helped out.

-John Ross Rear Commodore

SERIES RESULTS
PHRF Class:
1st – Papa` Au
2nd – Bonjolea II
3rd – OZone

Club Class:
1st – Iwa
2nd – Weatherly
3rd – Speedy

Click here for complete results and more Potos by Charlotte and Pam