08/13/2026
Thanks Rockstars Mark, Nigel, Ryan (Cookie), John, Derek and Gray for exceptional boat handling on what can only be described as an interesting night on the water. Thanks "Callinectes" for the tow out and fun sparing. Thanks Hampton Yacht Club Race Committee for scrambling and showing up "just in time" to get the race off.
We got out early for a quick spin hoist / douse thinking the RC would send us around the bar clockwise. We set-up the kite accordingly and looked for the RC boat to confirm.
When RC flew onto the scene, they were flying the course "C" (Short course) pennant. Our 8-10 mph of breeze was forecasted to drop, so I was good with the short course. To keep the kite configured, we'd need to start on port so our approach had risk.
We'll call it the great J-24 mutiny of 2026 as the J-24's decided to go around the bar; a couple of other spin boats decided to join them. That left us, "Callinectes", "Luna Blu" and plenty of room on the line for us to hold our port approach. Kite up, a little late, but rolling.
Downwind to "I" was a nice run, but we were a little slow (mushy bottom) and "Callinectes" Rounded "I" ahead. The Beat to "E" was quick and I miss judged the lay line and that added an extra two tacks.
We found redemption on the beat back to "A" noticing more breeze on the right, we split tacks with "Callinectes" and that move paid off as we rounded "A" clear ahead.
It was a tight kite angle but we managed to carry it into the Hampton Creek. First of our fleet to finish. Not bad for a dirty bottom Girl.
We did open the slot with the barber hauler (pic included) Ship Of Fools. Good Luck tomorrow night! Until next week - stay salty on the water - Oh and thanks Dave Whitehouse for turning us onto 92.9 The Wave with the smooth "Yacht Rock" vibe that has been delivering an exceptional soundtrack for our Wednesday Racing.