NAWILIWILI – The afternoon breezes coupled with manageable swells created the stage for an exciting Rum Series, Race #4 hosted by the Nawiliwili Yacht Club, Thursday. Despite the lure of Coronas hailing from across the bay, the race got underway
NAWILIWILI – The afternoon breezes coupled with manageable swells created the stage for an exciting Rum Series, Race #4 hosted by the Nawiliwili Yacht Club, Thursday.
Despite the lure of Coronas hailing from across the bay, the race got underway on time with no one “Jumping the gun” as was the case during the second race.
The catamaran Malihini quickly established its overall lead position, and despite the several differing tack paths utilized by the six single hulled sailing craft, Malihini kept control of the lead with Malia in second place heading out to the first turn outside the Ninini Point Lighthouse.
Heading into the harbor on the tail end of the opening course, Malihini still controlled the overall lead, but heading into the inland buoy, excitement erupted as a race for third place unfolded.
With spinnakers blooming, the Malia rounded the can clearly in second followed by a hotly-contested third, fourth, and fifth place flotilla led by Mapuana.
White Cap trailed close behind, but Papa‘au made the move from the fifth position and edged past White Cap, and coming out of the turn at the can, slipped past Mapuana.
The fight was not over, yet, as heading into the harbor, White Cap made its move, successfully sliding past Mapuana just before the far green can that would take the boats parallel to the Carter Point shoreline before heading out to the light-house for Lap Two. Following the corrected times by racemaster Sharon Gibson, the Malia continued its control of first place with an adjusted time of 1:03:03 with White Cap in the runner up position less than a minute back at 1:04:41.
Papa‘Au filled in third at 1:07:19 followed by Mapuana chasing at 1:08:34.
Malihini filled in the fifth position on a corrected time of 1:10:01 followed by Bonjolea at 1:15:07. The Coyote, holding on to the blenders for the post-race margaritas in honor of Cinco de Mayo, held up the post position throughout the race, spectators noting that it was good for the club’s handicap.
Skipper Mel Wills of the winning Malia got help from his crew consisting of Claire Curley, Jeremy King, and Kim Headley.
Two more races remain in the Rum Series hosted by the NYC. Races take place on Thursday afternoon with the first flag going at 5 p.m.
