Light air no problem for Malia

NAWILIWILI n The Malia took its second victory in as many weeks as the Nawiliwili Yacht Club hosted the second of six in the Rum Series races, Thursday evening at the Nawiliwili Harbor.

Unlike the scenario last week when the Malihini, a catamaran, crossed first overall, the Malia controlled the race from the on-set and finished with a corrected time of 53:30.

Sharon Gibson, racemaster for the event, Thursday, explained that because there was a lot of daylight and light air, the race course was simply two runs on the A Course, the race starting from just inside the jetty wall turn to outside water, heading out to the Ninini Point Lighthouse, returning to the harbor’s far can located nearest the Small Boat Harbor and back to the finish/start.

However, there was some excitement at the start as three boats literally jumped the gun (flag) and had to remaneuver back to the line before getting the “Good to Go!” sign from Gibson.

The fleet of seven yachts each had a different idea on tacking the course, and when the differentials were settled, the Malia was at the lead through-out the race, using its spinnaker to make the most of what little wind was available.

Gibson said that the Rum Series kicked off a new scoring system that is being used by the Hawai‘i Yacht Racing Association, and following the corrected times based on the new system, Malia crossed first at 53:30.

Whitecap filled in the number two slot at 1:03:19 followed by Malihini at 1:05:20.

Bonjolea filled in the fourth berth at 1:05:59 with Windspan in fifth at 1:06:11.

Papa‘au and Kalewa rounded out the field with times of 1:12:33 and 1:20:53.

There are four more races remaining in the Rum Series which is held each Thursday with the first flag going up at 5 p.m.

Gibson said spectators are welcome to watch the races from the jetty wall.

Following the race, the bottle of rum that is the entry fee, can be enjoyed with the NYC members at their clubhouse at the Small Boat Harbor.