A big thank you to RANSA for running the Wednesday afternoon series today and getting it done before the big breeze hit. We did see 38n knots on the sind instruments on the way back to the mooring. Today was the first time we had contemplated the No 4 jib since we purchased it for the 2017 series but that contemplation was brief and I brushed the thought aside in favour of the No 3 jib and a reefed main. Before the start we watched our competitors one by one sail off into Rushcutters Bay to put in a reef so that by the start most of the fleet was on smaller jibs and reefed mains.
Krakatoa timed the start perfectly while we had to wait for Reve to get far enough forward so we could duck her stern and head to the line.
Helped by the strong breeze we were able to hang onto Krakatoa’s tail for the reach to the heads and the most exciting bits were surfing down her stern wave in the gusts. Our maximum boat speed showed at 12.4 knots although the most we saw while watching the dial was mid tens. The 12.4 must have been off of Krakatoa’s stern wave in one of the gusts where we momentarily drew level. We had by now build up a handy 80 metres lead on the fleet and were content to safely follow Krakatoa around the top mark and head off on a very tight reach to Steele Point. Along this leg we went higher to be able to pass without any interference and pass we did particularly as we approached Steele Point and freed off for the reach into Rose Bay. Amante and I Super were also not far behind and we had a long beat to the finish line to try to hold them out.
In theory the Sydney 36crs are faster to windward in 20 knots and we had all of that and some more so we knew we would be working hard to hold our slim lead. Everyone pitched in with winching and tailing the main and jib and calling the angles and telltales so we were in good shape for the work home. We stayed in phase with the fleet on the way home and were surprised when Amante took a detour not realising that we were sailing the No 2 course and heading straight for home. Next in line was i Super with a full main then Krakatoa holding onto here place from a mighty reach to the heads. Behind we could see Leeward with mainsail backwinding and enjoying the fresh conditions and further back Allegro but we held on for our first fastest time for the season and first in a breeze. On handicap we had a close win over our similarly handicapped I Super and we waved to our old crew member as they crossed the line..
The win elevated Passion to equal first with Krakatoa on the leader board and a handy place to be at this time of the series.
The moment we caught Krakatoa