McMillan Trophy Race February 14, 2010

After a 15 minute delay to the start, the wind came in from the North west, along with the smell from the pulp mill. A downwind spinnaker start with Imp fast off the line followed by Electra, Kay D and Impossible. Out towards the sisters the wind came around to the South East and spinnakers were doused and with Imp finding the light shifting winds to to its liking took a commanding lead on the beat out to Batt Rock. Oasis, with a light windseeker headsail stayed out in the center of the passage and made good time on the rest on the fleet passing Kay D and Electra to round Batt Rock second. With wind filling in through Captain Passage the fleet began to catch up with a becalmed Imp but just a Oasis looked like catching up, the wind shifted again as it filled across to Ben Mohr rock - Imp and Oasis quickly doused spinnakers for a close reach to Ben Mohr. Electra and Kay D did not react as fast to the wind shift and fell back, as the rest of the fleet closed up.

On the beat back through Captain Passage Imp again pulled away from Oasis. With Electra choosing a better line to take advantage of the current, she slowly began to catch up to Oasis and heading to Welbury Spar the two boats were neck and neck. As the crew of Electra fought with a twisted spinnaker Oasis again pulled away only for Electra to pass them for a final time at Second Sister. Imp crossed the line first, well ahead of Electra with Oasis and Kay D close behind. Soul Thyme - wing on wing crossed next with Impossible the last to finish. Empezar was DSQ after starting her engine to avoid being blown on to the rocks as Second Sister. On corrected time - Kay D was first followed by Imp, Impossible, Electra, Oasis and Soul Thyme.

A great day on the water. Warm, Sunny and enough wind to keep the race interesting.

Pete