Flying Scot 2010 NAC - Part 3

Part 3

Wednesday was the scheduled start of the championship series but high winds and lightning storms kept the fleet in until late in the afternoon when the signal to launch was raised.  Sam and I were among the last to line up at the hoist when our hesitation was rewarded by another strong storm cell that forced the RC to call the fleet back in and we would be done for the day.  Thursday’s start was again moved up to 10:30 with the lunch delivery option.  It was light rain and light air for the first race and we finished mid-fleet on the shortened course that was later thrown out because it was only 3 legs (there is a requirement of at least 4).  We were towed back to port in the dying breeze where we hoisted the boat, waited awhile and then launched again in the clearing skies and freshening sea breeze.   On the way out we discussed how this is part of the game and we can’t allow ourselves to be frustrated by all this effort that so far has not resulted in any races, and to keep our minds on the task before us.  We went on to have our best race of the regatta, slightly behind the leader and trading second position back and forth with one other boat while remaining a healthy distance in front of the rest of the fleet.  In the end the other boat crossed the downwind finish just inches ahead so they earned 2nd while we returned with a 3rd.  We were feeling good.  By this time Sam had emerged as an incredible crewman flawlessly performing spinnaker jibes and mark roundings, all while maintaining intensity and reminding me to stay focused.  He is such a joy to sail with and we were performing as a team and starting to see results.  Friday’s start had been moved to 9:30 and once again the RC struggled with very challenging conditions, this time a dying and shifting breeze.  The first race was started and we finished mid fleet.  It was frustrating because we were sailing well but were lacking speed and perhaps on the wrong side of the current.  I wish I could explain how we could be so fast one day and slow the next, but I can’t.  We waited awhile for the breeze to fill in and completed the final race with the same result, mid fleet and slow.  Fortunately our final score was good enough to earn us a 7th overall and an award.   The crowd cheered loudly for Sam at the ceremony when our names were announced, he being perhaps the youngest of the competitors and it was rewarding for me that he received such recognition from the fleet.  That night after packing the boat and preparing for the trip home we visited a local church fair being held down the street from the club and enjoyed more southern cooking and seafood, and even placed wagers on a crab race!

The RC performed admirably in the face of very challenging conditions and there is no doubt they were relieved when race 3 was completed.  They faced thunder storms, zero breeze, abandonments, general recalls, and majors shifts necessitating moving the marks on almost every leg.  Congratulations to the team of BWYC for an outstanding job both on the race courses and off.  We had a fantastic journey from beginning to end creating many lasting memories.