Total Lubmarine China Coast Regatta 2008 - Day 3

by RHKYC Event Media on 13 Oct 2008 Blowing a hooley and with 22 boats on the start line, Day 3 of Total Lubmarine China Coast Regatta rounded off a fantastic (not to say exhausting) weekend's sailing in the waters of Hong Kong. The Division D Impalas took one look at the 26 knots and 2m swell and decided to call it a regatta, while Jaywalker and Outrageous came out to the start area for a look-see and decided that lunch at Middle Island was a more attractive option.

The hardened sailors, however, relished the conditions and set off, on time, in 26 knots, gusting to over 30. Race Officer, Inge Strompf-Jepsen, selected course one for all boats, allowing an upwind finish in preparation for the final Islands course of the regatta and allowing Strompf-Jepsen to shorten Division C. The objective was a short race, to ensure at least 6 races for the regatta, and the plan worked a treat, with Island Fling coming in first on the water and on handicap in 34 minutes after Jelik retired with reefing problems. FfreeFire 52 had one of her best races of the series, clearly delighted to come in second on the water and only 45 seconds behind Fling on corrected time.

In Division B Ambush had a scorcher to claim the double, and Men at Work repeated the feat in Division C, putting both boats in a virtually unassailable position for the series.

The final boat took an hour to finish, after which the AP was raised immediately in preparation for a brisk trip around the Po Tois. The breeze held to give 20 to 25 knots nearly all the way, softening to 18 knots towards the end of the race.

Once again it was the lines of Jelik which came first into view, and she claimed line honours in just under 90 minutes, followed a minute later by Island Fling, who took the race, and the series on handicap. FfreeFire 52 had another great race, claiming 2 x 2 for the day.

For once, in Division B it was not Ambush's race, instead Blauwvoet and Orient Xpress raced bow to bow to the line, with Blauwvoet taking the race on the water, and Orient Xpress claiming her first win on corrected time. This finalized the series with a win for Ambush, Stella in second and Orient Xpress in third place.

Division C was a little more predictable, with Men at Work maintaining their high standards and claiming a first on the water but a second on corrected time after a fine performance from Whiskey Jack which gave them their first 1st and also secured second place in series ahead of Dexter.

A fine three days' racing, which featured plenty of wind, plenty of fun and plenty of rum. What more could a yachtie want?


Full results at http://www.rhkyc.org.hk/chinacoastraceweek/results08.htm