The formula fleet saw a good turnout with 10 boards on the line and the final race determining which of the top 4 sailors would take the series. The kites- who raced just after us on the same course had 21 foilers and course boards combined.
Saturdays breeze built early and strong but by the time we started near 2:45, it was peaking at 25k.
I rigged the avanti 10.0, starboard 167 and kashy 64 fin
The course was twice around the windward mark set near the Presidio shoal and a downwind finish set next to the starting line off last chance beach. With the fleet starting on starboard- its a short beat before you hit the sea wall just at GGYC. Just like Friday night racing- if you can be the inside boat near the shore you'll capitalize on the fleet below you and be able to climb on the geographical lift coming off the shore.
It works every time-(except when it doesn't.)
Thanks to Lyrah for capturing the photos from the seawall!
More photos here.
Tom, Xavier and myself all arrived at the top mark together and remained even almost the whole race till the final lay line call to the finish mark. I split the difference between the 2 and nailed the lay line perfect- getting the 1st bullet of the day.
Race 2- a bit shiftier at the top of the course as the puffs were coming in with less frequency.
We all got caught and had double tack the top mark which put me back in the cheap seats and dirty air.
It was Al USA-882 was positioned well and walked away with the bullet calling the lay lines perfectly.
Race 3- Xavier finally found with groove sailing the 7.3 slalom sail with his new starboard.
He's super efficient on that rig- especially in the wound city front conditions.
Most of the fleet was on 9.3s or 9.5's while Percy sailed the ml89 mini formula board and 7.8.
Tom and I were pushing hard in 2nd & 3rd flying downwind through the chop and puffs before I pushed a bit too hard and went right over the front in a spectacular catapult that left me hooked in under the sail to leeward. Ouch!
Al was quick to jump in there and took 3rd while I ended up just behind Eric in 5th.
If you make 1 mistake- there's always a group just waiting to pass you.
Super tight and competitive racing!
Sunday's conditions were flatter so I put in the Z F0 fin which absolutely flies in slightly under powered conditions. I came out the gates with a good advantage and climbed on the fleet on the long port tack beat up the city front. I made it around the mark just as a huge shift hit the fleet behind me and they all had to double tack while I got jetted downwind like a rocket in a private puff. I had a comfortable lead but nearly gave it up as I went to the outside gate and got stuck in some very light wind on the right side while the fleet behind me sailed right up the city front and almost crossed.
Time to protect the lead.
Xavier and I both sailed downwind towards shore and as it got lighter, I was able to get some distance back and took advantage of going as deep as I could knowing he was on a big slalom sail.
Sometimes that extra horsepower comes in handy.
Race 1 for the win!
2nd race of the day was another hard fought battle from the start. Eric and I pushed a bit too hard to win the start and we were both called OSC. I dipped back and took a flier to the right corner which got me back in the game. Slowly I reeled in Xavier on the 2nd long upwind as we rounded the gate together and had some boat traffic to deal with. Tom and Al were gone but 3rd would have to do.
Going into the last race- either Xavier, Tom, Al or myself could win the series with a bullet and some mathematical luck .
It all came down who would make the least mistakes.
The fleet came into the sea wall in a tight pack
This tack is just critical to keep your position for the next long beat upwind.
You give up an inch- you loose a mile!
3/4 of the way up the leg- Tom, Xavier and I were all still tightly grouped.
Who's going to call the layline?
Too early and you've given up the race.
Too late and you've given up the race.
I took my eyes off them for 2 seconds and missed the opportunity as once they tacked they were gone-on the lay line and around the mark
I never got another chance as they both sailed flawlessly.
I held onto 3rd but with Al just behind in 4th.
He took the final spot on the podium with Xavier in 1st and Tom in 2nd.
It couldn't have been closer- and that's the way I love it.
Huge thanks to the St.FYC and all the competitors.
Results here.
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