CAPTAIN PASSAGE RACE, 2nd October, 2005

There were eight boats out for this race. The weather was overcast with a hint of rain; however

the wind out of the Southeast was about 15 knots and some very dark clouds to the South

suggested the race would be a quick one. Most boats crossed the line with reduced sail area.

By Second Sister the bigger boats were starting to pull ahead. WESTWIND was holding her

own with the lower rated FINAL DASH with SOUL DANCER and FANDANGO not far behind.

ELECTRA was having problems with the reefing gear and was carrying to much sail for the

conditions but was enjoying trading tacks with STRAWBERRY EXPRESS. Both MINKE and

DERYN MOR were handling the conditions well and staying very much up with the fleet.

I think WESTWIND was first around the weather mark of Batt Rock. (Your scribe was on

ELECTRA, and as we were below wave height much of the time was not able to observe

beyond the immediate surroundings). We did however note that FINAL DASH was the first

around U62. The leg to Welbury Spar was nominally a spinnaker run but no one chose to fly

one in the prevailing conditions (18 to 20 knots of true wind in the squalls). By now ELECTRA

had sorted out the reefing problem and with a more appropriate sail area was pulling ahead of

STRAWBERRY EXPRESS. Rounding Batt Rock for the second time we noted some

moderation in the wind and ELECTRA was the first to hoist a spinnaker. Both DERYN MOR and

MINKE did the same as they rounded some 10 minutes later and enjoyed a grand battle to the

finish line. FANDANGO had elected NFS but did manage to get two headsails on the forestay to

make a spirited finish.

It was a great race and the rain held off for most of the time. The sailing was exhilarating and

the day was capped when we assembled on board SOUL DANCER and were served a very fine

curry. It does not get much better than that.

Results time in time

BOAT	SKIPPER	RTG	ELAPSED	CORRECTED	POINTS
WESTWIND	Andersen	130	1 52 35	1 52 35	100
FINAL DASH	Wood	110	1 51 02	1 54 39	88
MINKE	Meek	237	2 15 35	1 56 25	75
DERYN MOR	Vine	234	2 15 17	1 56 37	63
FANDANGO (nfs)	Phill/Art	156	2 02 52	1 58 08	50
SOUL DANCER	Simpson	121	1 57 06	1 58 45	38
ELECTRA	Kibble	141	2 02 05	2 00 03	25
STRW. EXPRESS	Scott	150	2 08 39	2 04 39	13

Although we are now into OCTOBER enthusiasm for the Wednesday evening series continues.

Indeed, it was agreed that we would continue until no one shows up and three boats are already

promised for this Wednesday. See you there.

Bob Jones,

ALACRITY

October 3rd, 05