NAWILIWILI — The return of “Windspan” to the Nawiliwili racing arena was only one reason for excitement in the final race of the Gene Wells Memorial Series. Hosted by the Nawiliwili Yacht Club, the seventh race of the series was
NAWILIWILI — The return of “Windspan” to the Nawiliwili racing arena was only one reason for excitement in the final race of the Gene Wells Memorial Series.
Hosted by the Nawiliwili Yacht Club, the seventh race of the series was slightly delayed due to the departure of the cruise ship “Island Princess.”
But when the race started, Windspan, a Catalina 38, was in the traffic flow of the 3.6-mile course and its appearance was reason for NYC scorekeeper Sharon Gibson to give a cheer.
“Malihini,” the 35-foot Catamaran, capitalized on the 10- to 15-knot easterlies and handily sliced through the choppy seas generated by an incoming swell and the wake of the departing cruise ship and its escort tug, “Mamo.”
The overall race belonged to the crew of the catamaran, despite the chase efforts exerted by crew aboard “Papa‘au,” an Express 27.
But the lead fell short as adjusted times gave the top slot to “Papa‘au,” which crossed with a PHRF class adjusted time of 45:05, more than a minute ahead of “Malihini,” which finished with an adjusted time of 46:44.
“Malihini” topped the six-boat field with an elapsed time of 43:00, with “Papa‘au” following at 47:06.
“Mapuana,” the only Wells boat competing in the series, filled in the third slot of the Open class with an adjusted time of 46:50 (49:13 elapsed).
“Bonjolea,” an X-342, crossed the line with an adjusted time of 47:52 (49:47 elapsed) to take third place in the PHRF Mono class, behind “Papa‘au” and “Mapuana.”
“Speedy,” an Olson 30, finished with a Club class adjusted time of 46:36 (50:02 elapsed) to edge out “Windspan” (46:50, 52:44 elapsed) for top honors in the Club Open competition.
With the win, “Papa‘au” swept all three classes-PHRF Open, PHRF Mono and Club Open in the seven-race series and finished first in five of the seven races to earn five points in the standings, edging out “OZone,” which did not compete in the final race.
Despite the absence, “Ozone” finished with eight points. “Mapuana,” “Speedy” and “Bonjolea” followed in the standings. “Malihini” rounded out the PHRF Open and Club Open classes.
With the completion of the Gene Wells Memorial Series, NYC offers the public a fun race Halloween evening starting at 5 p.m. Gibson promised an all-inland course which will allow spectators maximum view of all the characters and costumes manning the race fleet. As always, viewing is free and spectators can join the crews in post-race get-together at the NYC clubhouse at the Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor.
