NAWILIWILI — Motorists could sympathize with crews aboard some of the six-yacht field Thursday at the Nawiliwili Yacht Club Harvest Series, Race 6. The lack of wind and calm seas had crews aboard each of the yachts jockeying for the
NAWILIWILI — Motorists could sympathize with crews aboard some of the six-yacht field Thursday at the Nawiliwili Yacht Club Harvest Series, Race 6.
The lack of wind and calm seas had crews aboard each of the yachts jockeying for the best tack line, and at the sound of the starting horn, a “traffic jam” took place at the first can.
Malihini’s crew sat idle in the water as a field of three yachts led by OZone shot through the straightaway with the Malihini crew sitting helpless in the right-of-way code.
On the outside of the straightaway, the Malia’s crew also sat quiet as they tried to make the best of their positioning for the far red can inside Kalapaki Bay.
This gave the good crowd of spectators some excitement despite the lack of wind.
Following the race, a protest regarding the right-of-way dispute was filed, and results are awaiting resolution of that issue.
However, the corrected times saw OZone take advantage of its early lead, and with the help of its green-and-yellow spinnaker on the downwind leg, crossed first in the PHRF Open class with an adjusted time of 34:03, 43 seconds faster than second finisher Papa‘au who clocked in with an adjusted time of 34:46.
Malia, who was stuck on the outside of the opening leg traffic jam, settled for third at an adjusted time of 34:53.
Bonjolea controlled the Club Open Class with a first finish at an adjusted time of 30:31 followed by Coyote at 35:07, and the Malihini at 40:03.
The Harvest Series features one final race this coming Thursday starting at 5 p.m. at Nawiliwili Harbor.
This final race will be followed by a special Halloween race on Monday, Oct. 31.
That race is scheduled to start at 5 p.m., and NYC starter Sharon Gibson anticipates a lot of fun as she is planning a course that will bring the yachts close to the jetty wall vantage point so spectators can enjoy the ghoulish antics of the NYC racers.
The public is invited to view both the final Harvest Series race as well as the Halloween race from the vantage point of the jetty wall at no admission.
