As predicted, we had great conditions for the start of our Annual Mayors Cup race this past Saturday. Ten boats came out to enjoy SSW winds of 12-15 kts and partly cloudy skies. Our RC John Davis & team set the line and picked course 6 (#9, #1 and finish), perfect for the conditions. There were 3 boats in the spin class this year and 7 boats went non-spin. The starts went off smoothly and Hooch (team Kennedy) took the early lead and was first around the upwind mark. They set their spinnaker and took off as the non-spin boats approached the mark. Unleashed & Naughty Dog were next with their colorful spinnakers.
There were some strong wind gusts in the long downwind run to #1. We watched a few boats battle for positions in both classes and we especially enjoyed watching Naughty Dog and Unleashed mix it up with their spinnakers flying.
Then we all got the surprise of the afternoon. As we rounded the downwind #1 mark we realized the wind had built to 20-25 kts for the upwind beat back to the bridge. Challenging conditions for sure, and we all settled down for the long wet beat to the bridge and the finish. There were sail changes, reefing, some control issues and even a foredeck incident (Czech Mate). But all boats & crews enjoyed the run and made it back safely.
First to finish was Hooch followed by Shadow and Unleashed.
Final Results:
Spin Class
1st place- Hooch, B Kennedy
2nd place- Unleashed, J Reichel
3rd place- Naughty Dog, W Reichel
Non-Spin Class
1st place- Shadow, C Margeson
2nd place- Whitecap, J Holst
3rd place- Pandemonium, G Sebouhian
See the attached spreadsheet for the full results and scores.
We had the Awards Party at the Babylon Yacht Club and about 20 of us enjoyed pizza, salad and beers while we shared stories and kept a weather watch. Three boats came back to the BYC after the race. Most headed back to their docks due to the forecasted weather. After the presentation of the awards, we all left as the clouds rolled in and the rain began.
My thanks to John Davis & crew for RC duties and special thanks to the Babylon YC for providing their clubhouse for our SBCC Mayors Cup Race awards party this year.
This past Saturday, timing was everything. So glad it all worked out with the weather for our Mayors Cup Race!
Charlie Margeson
SBCC Regatta Captain
