Passion scored a handy second on handicap behind a very slippery Izzi today.
The forecast for a north westerly breeze direction was accurate but not the strength. Instead of the ten plus knots we were greeted with drifting conditions off the start line for a tight reach to the south head. We stayed on the windward side of the fleet and were rewarded with stronger and more consistent breeze than L’eau Co and Aggrovation who were not far to leeward. L’eau Co was well in front of us when they stopped in their own calm patch and it was this patch that Aggrovation sailed into. We had Larrikin creeping up behind us and were keeping high both for the wind and for clear air. Rainbow half way between us and L’eau Co missed the calm and was able to work out just ahead of us a the turn.
Panorama photo of the spectacular double rainbow over Sydeny taken on my HTC M8 from the mooring in Woolwich
The track back was much tighter than expected as the wind was shifting left. In the distance we could see the late starting fleet with genoas poled out so we went as high as possible to have room for the approaching header. In this position we were also keeping Larrikin at bay and did so until we had to free up for Steel Point. Larrikin did go over the top and managed to pass Rainbow and keep in front for the shortened course finish in Rose Bay. Rainbow hung on to beat us over the line and only L’eau Co and Aggrovation were behind but our handicap moves us up to second place.
The breeze freshened as we rounded the finish buoy and we had the best work of the day up the harbour to find a sheltered place to drop the main and genoa.
At the mooring the setting sun peeked out below the cloud cover and produced a spectacular double rainbow and bathe the city in golden light. A picture perfect way to end the day.