Jennifer Harker writes, Day 3 of the North American 5.5M Regatta dawned with rain and grey skies and crews broke out the wet weather gear, but it didn’t dampen the spirits of the fleet and the rain held off for racing.
Winds were light but the fleet optimistically headed out for the distance race of about eight nautical miles. While still light at the start, moving air began to fill in as they crossed the Wye River gap and although it wasn’t one of the fastest distance races, true to form it came down to the last few hundred metres for positioning and all boats finished within 11 minutes after a more than two hour and forty minute race.
While the fleet took the committee boat end Jalapena USA 96 lurked strategically by the pin giving her plenty of manouevring room. Pride USA 31 began strongly with a lovely and well timed start.
Jill CAN 11 showed her colours early by being second to the mark ahead of Jalapena and would settle in for a solid race.
The opening short upwind leg already foretold the day as Mavi USA 103 headed into the mark first before setting off at a good clip on the long close hauled leg, building an early lead. She would keep that position for the whole race until Firestorm caught her in the run down the bay to the finish line.
Midland Bay was alive with sails of all sizes as it was also the Midland Bay Sailing Club’s sailing school regatta. With an Opti racecourse, a Fusion racecourse and the 5.5 it meant the bay played host to sailors ranging in age from eight to 75 – all sharing a passion for sailing and racing.
Back on shore the enthusiasm was evident. Michael Bloor is foredeck crew aboard Pride USA 31 who finished fourth today. “We had a great day. There was wind and it was enjoyable with great competition but I’m mad we didn’t catch Purple Haze. We beat them rounding Flat Point and asked for space around Snake and then we made some tactical errors. But to have 10 boats finish within 11 minutes from first to last after two hours and forty minutes is fantastic. Other than yesterday’s dead wind it’s been a fabulous regatta so far.”
Skipper Matt Cowan said, “Purple Haze was moving well today but the wind was squirrely, worse than normal with 10 to 15 degree shifts. It seemed like there was a shift every 10 minutes and it was difficult to stay on course. Jib trimming saved the day. The outbound and inbound leg was all jib.”
Firestorm’s Jeff Brook said, “Vigilance on jib was definitely key today.”
Purple Haze’s Inga Cowan agreed. “I was gazing up at the jib for six miles of focusing on nothing but jib.” Despite a slightly stiff neck, she said it was a good day on board. “We were all business, no social chit chat. Very very shifty winds made for a very interesting race. I think it was excellent teamwork, nobody got annoyed and there was a lot of focus.”
Foredeck crew Chris Hatton added, “Matt is really getting to know the boat. It was a beautiful day.”
Matt Cowan said, “We were following the big boys and I imagined we were getting closer, but we never caught them. The second leg with spinnaker was pretty dull, not a lot of wind, but we got the right wind down Midland Bay for speed.” Inga Cowan lamented with a laugh, “If only it was longer we might have caught Mavi.”
They crossed in second pushing them into a tie with Nantoria for overall standings.
The evolutions have been trading places all week, fighting through constantly changing conditions for every advantage.
Firestorm USA 87’s William Turner said, “Man it was very shifty for two thirds of the race. There was a lot of give and take with micro battles. We overstood the first mark and had to tack again but were able to pass Dan [Jalapena] and keep up with Don [O’Kelly]. The breeze filled in and we could battle and work our way ahead, there was maybe a boat length at the finish ahead of Mavi.”
Reflecting on Day 3 he said, “Speed and breeze were key and of course we’re grateful for Don beating Dan at the finish.” O’Kelly’s second place finish ahead of Jalapena helped propel Firestorm to sit tied for first with Jalapena after three days of racing in the very tight evolution fleet. “Overall it’s been great racing, good company, and I’m glad to be back,” Turner said.
With five days of racing several crews have rotating members as a five-day summer commitment is difficult for many. Today veteran racer Daryl Baxter was on O’Kelly CAN 79. “I do a lot of racing. I’ve sailed my whole life but I love class design racing – I usually sail Beneteaus and Sharks.”
For him, simplicity is key. “I love the one design, the simplicity is the appeal of 5.5 boats, there are no cruising amenities, they are made for racing.”
The day lived up to his expectations. “It was fantastic, an absolutely amazing day with lead changes and close match racing which was really nice.” He too said it was unbelievable that the finish came down to a few metres after eight nautical miles.
Jason Williams has spent the last two years completely restoring Jill. “I’m happy with her so far. There are still lots of things to do – I need to get the outhaul working, maybe get a cunningham, a proper traveler as it’s currently rigged like a Laser and Bryan has no feel. There are lots of little bits and pieces to iron out.”
However he’s pleased with her performance so far. “The goal was to get her in the water this year and finish the regatta.”
Jill’s crew Mikey Wilkinson said, “The boat has some good moments. I grew up on a 5.5, Impulse out of RCYC. For me it’s a full circle to be sailing and racing on a 5.5 again. Jason and I have been buddies since we were 10 and I agreed to do this with him a year ago. So far it’s fabulous.”
On the classic side things are interesting with multiple changes in the standings. While Mavi tops the classics, Purple Haze and Nantoria are now tied up for second, followed by Summer School, then Summer and Jill sit tied and Pride is still finding her groove.
With two days of racing remaining there’s still plenty of room for movement in the standings.
It was another strong day for Purple Haze USA 51 and their second place finish in the distance race has them tied with Nantoria for second in the classic fleet.
Jill CAN 11 is back on the water after extensive and on-going restoration by Jason Williams (left). Coming into the regatta his goals were simple – get her on the water and finish the regatta. Her crew Kelly Nesbitt, Mikey Wilkinson and Bryan Gooderham are putting her through her paces to figure out what work still needs to be done.
Nine women were on the 5.5 race course today including Nantoria CAN 22’s crew of Kathryn Gallichan, Marilyn Kokbas and Andi Trocino lead by skipper Eugene Kokbas.
Pride USA 31sailed into fourth with Rachel Thurley, Michael Bloor and skipper Joe Strelow enjoying some windy conditions after yesterday’s dead air.