Rolex Big Boat Series

San Francisco

Two long races today for the J70 fleet.

Once again we started the day on the Fort Mason race track. The committee signaled a three lap windward-leeward course in the 8-10 knot southwesterly breeze. The current was “flooding” once again so it was all about hitting the beach for relief. We had a good start and rounded the first mark 4th. We passed a couple boats on the next lap but could not get passed DFZ, who was sailing great and won the race. Our second place finish further solidified our lead in the series.

The second race was a marathon of three hours! 15 miles in a big flood tide is a long course for J70’s.

We were over early at the start but did not hear our sail number called for more than a minute after the start. Needless to say, we were deep on the first leg. Then we got in a big entanglement at the first mark and felt we fouled. So after rounding we did two penalties and once again, we were second to last. The course was a marathon all around the bay, and there were a couple of opportunities where we went a different route to some of our competitors and made some gains. The wind picked up to 22 gusting 25 knots. Our speed was good and Andy did a great job driving, especially downwind!

In the end, with the help of the leaders having a few problems if their own, we managed to work through the fleet for the win.

Tomorrow there is just one race and it will be long for sure.

For complete results go to www.rolexbigboatseries.com

Paul