So if you couldn't guess by now, the days are starting to blend together. Weather is excellent, wind is very consistent, 10-20 knots from the NW.
This leg 2 things were discussed at the docks. First, that the RC and PRO need to get a longer start line or we would start losing some boats due to collisions. Second, that at some point, the tide was going to switch directions. Just prior to Campbell River the Flood and Ebbs switch directions!
We prepared for the start but just prior to leaving the dock a request was made from Icon if we had any spare crew! We looked around almost in disbelief and then we figured out that they were short and they wanted Ivan ( Reebooook to us later re named Icon ). Well how could we deny Reebooook so off he went to live the dream.
We could start on starboard tack but barely. We wanted the left side and as it turns out, not many others did too so we had some room today for the first time. Our plan was to get left and find tide relief and hopefully a lift up the beach, and our plan worked as we were nicely placed with bigger faster boats at the corner.
We started to work the beach but eventually were ground down by all the 40+ footers in our fleet. Being 4-7 feet shorted and lighter we need the breeze to be under 10 knots to against these well sailed boats. Well eventually it was time to head out and when we did we were 3rd boat out with just Kiva and Kotuku ahead. We had Opus and Rubato just behind us, nipping at our heels for sure.
Eventually we flopped over to starboard and with the predicted right shift we were left with a 10 mile, no more tacks beat. This was not good news for us as the longer guys could waterline us and we couldn't make up any more ground on the leaders. All we could do was hang on and sail our best and look for a change.
Well no changes came and we basically sailed up to finish line with Opus just ahead and Rubato now even with us and just nosing out, however we owe them time so we weren't looking to place again today. We held off Karina and the rest but Ion, another big boat ( Beneteau 43 ) got us on corrected to finish in 6th today.
The tide really rips in here and Amazing Grace had to towed in as they fouled the pin end on there prop.
At the dock we were welcomed with native local dancing. Another great day of racing, perfect conditions for sure.
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