Judging by the tracker and the reports I’m getting in (isn’t technology amazing – er – frightening?) they’re all having a great race. Read the following knowing that I’m winging it a little from my computer in the basement, so what I’m understanding might not be the whole truth.
Nigel Barron has been sending me updates from Crossfire, which is sailing the long course and I think they have an eye on the elapsed time record for the long course. they must be going after it, because they’re not mixing it up on the Hein Bank course with the TP 52s. At any rate, the concern aboard Crossfire was that they hoped the race committee would get to the turn before they did. Barron sent the following photos earlier.
As I look at the tracker now (the tracker’s burping a little so I’m not sure) it looks like Crossfire has indeed rounded as is on her way back at 6.5 knots. Way behind are Westerly, Blue and Rage.
On the Flattery course, the Morris 45 Firefly and J/122 Joy Ride are duking it out for the lead on the water. They’re both going a tad less than 5 knots. The J/111 65 Red Roses appears to be gaining on them. I’m sure I’ll be able to get Brad Baker (aboard Firefly) to give us the blow by blow when it’s all done.
Also on the Flattery course is our very own Bruce Hedrick aboard the J/35 Tahlequah. They appear to be having a great race, going toe to toe with faster boats, not that far behind Firefly. Again, we’ll squeeze a report out of Bruce soon after the race.
Those TPs on the Hein Bank are having fun for the most part, with Glory leading followed by Smoke and The Shadow II trailing. Mist appears to have dropped out of the race quite early.
Bat out of Hell is going just like her name in the Juan de Fuca race, and is approaching the finish as I write this.
I’m sure there will be plenty of stories when all is said and done. It looks like it’ll all be over well before breakfast.
Kurt grew up racing and cruising in the Midwest, and has raced Lasers since the late 1970s. Currently he is a broker at Swiftsure Yachts. He has been Assistant Editor at Sailing Magazine and a short stint as Editor of Northwest Yachting. Through Meadow Point Publishing he handles various marketing duties for smaller local companies. He currently is partners on a C&C 36 which he cruises throughout the Northwest. He’s married to the amazing Abby and is father to Ian and Gabe.