Oakcliff Spring Clinegatta - Riptide Racing chews up the course

by Dawn Riley on 20 May 2013 At the Oakcliff Spring Clinegatta, Riptide Racing had a very up and down day but finished on a big high, claiming the win and grabbing the much coveted spots for the Detroit Cup and Oakcliff Invitational. With invites to the Knickerbocker and Chicago events already in hand, this sets up Chris Poole and his team for a strong chance at winning the Grand Slam Series for 2013.

Second place Q Match Racing entered the semis by .5 of a point, and beat at that point, undefeated Mark Lees in the semi finals 2:1 garnering the yellow flagged starboard advantage on the first against Riptide Racing. But in race one, they were not so happy to see a yellow flag on the RC boat indicating they were over early and in the efforts not to be they also got a double yellow. Q Match Racing fought back to win race two but ultimately Riptide won the third race and the regatta.

Mark Lees and Echo Racing traveled to Oakcliff for the second time and got third place again. They will be back in the summer to try to get the medal and a round at sponsor Jack Halyards American Bar & Grill.

On a day where many other events around the world struggled to get racing completed, the weather was a bit damp but provided great racing. Bill Simon, Program Director and OA commented 'this is regatta was one of the most balanced Oakcliff has seen, with close racing on every lap. Not once did a team enter thinking, this is going to be an easy race.'

Umpires were put to the test with this intense racing and PRO Todd Fields kept the mark boats hopping. Executive director, Dawn Riley gave a shout out to staff and volunteers alike who made sure the boats which sank in the hurricane last year were in top form for this spring Oakcliff website