Out of Order- Sunday June 8 NOOD Circle C

Sunday is tradition day at the NOOD on some circles. First tradition - the circle C team picture!

Then it was off to the race course in glassy waters. Fortunately, the breeze filled in from 140 and a start sequence was initiated but the wind was too unstable and the start was postponed. A new course of 125 at 1.5 nm and 1.25 nm was set up and all classes were able to start. There was an intentional 5 minute postponement after the T-10 start to increase the separation between that fleet and the J/105s and Beneteau 36.7s that started after them. This reduced most of the mixing between the fleets throughout the race and was well received by the fleets based on comments from a small sample of competitors.

As boats came down the run the breeze had continued to build to around 8-9 knots so all sections were extended to new yellow marks at distances of 1.75 nm and 1.5 nm, allowing for 70-75 minute races for the fleets.

For race 2, the J/111s and J/109s were started on a 120 course while the T-10s and other sections were still finishing. By the time all remaining sections had finished and ready to start, the wind had walked to 110 but the RC was locked into the 120 course the first two sections were sailing towards. The start line was reset square to the wind at 110 but the T-10s had their first and only general recall of the weekend. On the restart, the RC displayed the India flag and were able to successfully start the largest and most stressful section of the circle on their final race. The other sections also started without much incident.

The wind in race two looked left of the course from Carrier’s perspective but the spread of the boats on the beat and the run told a different story about the wind up the course. A wide spread among the boats with plenty of crossing was a great way to end a successful regatta. All were pleased that the light winds, rain and storms predicted just a few days before the event largely never materialized.

Back at the dock, there was one more tradition observed. Helle arranges a champagne toast for her circle, complete with a second team picture. Lots of compliments were spoken, all well deserved, to a true team that enjoyed each other’s company.

Erik S. written then and posted later