Gulf Racing Series - Sunday 18 March 2001

Race 2 got off to a good start with Safilo first across the line closely followed by the rest of the fleet. The previous race, which was abandoned due to lack of wind, left the participants drifting around the Tamaki Straight at the mercy of the tide. Fortunately the forecast for race 2 was for strengthening winds and the forecast didn’t let us down.

The course started at Northern Leading heading east down the Tamaki Straight, rounding Passage Rock and returning to Northern Leading. The south-easterly wind grew in strength turning a 5 hour sail into a 7 ½ hour endurance on crew and gear. Carafe suffered a blown out headsail and the crew of Karie mentioned the physical fatigue from having to tack over 30 times on the first leg of the race.

Safilo Moments before the start

It became apparent early on that the race would be won on the ability to make the best distance into the wind. This was reflected in some of the tactics employed on the leg down. Husvale chose to sail close to Waiheke minimising the effect of the tide and the sea - which had built into a steep chop under the gusty conditions. Husvale was also reported to have the best-practised tack, losing little headway each time they went about.

The after race analysis shows there was very little time difference in the down wind leg to Northern leading between the fleet. The greatest variations in times where on the upwind leg down to Passage Pock. Although H28s are not renowned for their ability to point high into the wind there appears to be considerable differences between them. This has sparked a lot of discussion (including at the last committee meeting) over sail trim and the tuning of the rigging for upwind sailing. I understand some H28s are now sporting new backstay tensioners, as well as some subtle tweaks to the rigging.

The next race series should prove an interesting test of whether the theories when put into practise actually work. Watch this space!