Sorry for no blog yesterday, but hopefully after reading this you will understand.
We woke Thursday morning to the wind blowing the oysters off the rocks. Committee did not wait to post an AP OVER ‘5’ meaning return at 1500 and we’ll try again.
So we returned at 1500 with no change in the weather. Still blowing. But around 1530 we started rigging boats for first shape at 1700.
We ran 3 races into the evening. The current was stronger than before making the waves bigger. Most opted for the Oregon shore and flatter water. But the approach to the starboard layline had a lot of competitors heading to the Washington shore. Downwind the middle and OR shore were favored.
The “usuals” continued to make hay in the strong breeze. Marshack dominated. But when he wasn’t dominating the upwind machine known as Sohn put hurt on him. Erwin, who has been leading since Day 1, was tight on their tails. Both Ped and Evenden turned in good days, while Nelson and Sinnickson were hurt by equipment — Nelson flipping twice and hitting a mark.
After breaking the boats down in the dusk, racers were told to be ready for a start at 0800 Friday morning. With no races scheduled after 1400, committee wanted to get in some races to break the tie between Sohn and Erwin after Thursday’s racing. Short night. Racers had a quick nap and returned Friday morning to strong breeze, but not too strong.
Committee got off 2 more races. Sohn showed mastery and won the Championship. Erwin held on for 2nd, Marshack 3rd. For Div. 4, Nelson got 4th, Evenden behind Sinnickson at 6th, and Ped just out of the trophy hunt at 7th. I am not sure where Thompson finished.
Overall the event was well received by all racers. A total of 13 races were run in the 18 fleet — 14 races for the 20s — in medium to strong breeze.
Hobie Division 4 