We sailed a 17 mile course yesterday in 20-35 kt winds and finished last! But we only broke a few things on Fusee and it was nice and cold and wet, so the crew was pleased.
The Santana winds brought interesting conditions as we sailed out to Platform Gilda, normally an upwind beat, with the reefed mainsail eased and the jib bouncing around in the choppy conditions. The farther offshore we sailed the more the fetch and chop. After rounding Gilda we headed back to shore. Troublemaker was in front of us and Quiet Time was on our stern where she had been since the start. Grace was on the opposite board and appeared to be making better speed toward the finish (VMG) so Harry made the call to follow Grace down the coast. Quiet Time followed us for a while, then
made for the beach again. The wind was blowing hard and the waves were causing havoc with the rig, so we ended up sailing the rest of the race under reefed main alone. Grace finished well but may be disqualified because she didn’t leave both cans at Gilda to port.