NAWILIWILI — The winds, blowing between 5-10 knots out of the North-Northeast, was not indicative of the competition at the next-to-last race in the Nawiliwili Yacht Club’s Rum Series, Thursday. “We might be losing this wind, altogether,” said Sharon Gibson,
NAWILIWILI — The winds, blowing between 5-10 knots out of the North-Northeast, was not indicative of the competition at the next-to-last race in the Nawiliwili Yacht Club’s Rum Series, Thursday.
“We might be losing this wind, altogether,” said Sharon Gibson, the NYC scorekeeper. “The wind is supposed to switch to south at any time. Hopefully, it stays this way.”
The winds cooperated and the fleet of nine boats gave the spectators a show that spanned the first to last boat.
Louie Abrams had the wheel aboard Papa‘au, the Express 27 that had a mermaid aboard as described by Glenn Ikemoto, and “Lelele” had a full contingent aboard heading for the start line.
But at the horn, Papa‘au edged out Lelele, forcing the green-hulled Wells 30 to tack out and circle the field to avoid contact with the starting can.
Fast Company was buried in the field, the two ideal slots going to Papa‘au and Lelele that kept its advantage through the first turn on a short course.
Heading inland, the leaders continued to hold position as Fast Company, first up with its spinnaker coming out of the turn, crept up the field, making its move following the far turn.
The four leaders took different tack lines, Speedy and Lelele opting for the far line, Papa‘au going midfield and Fast Company going extreme as it headed for the berthed NCL Pride of America.
That move was pivotal for the Olson 30 that was able to slingshot to a brief lead, close to the line heading out to the ‘Ninini Point turn, the other three leaders opting to stay closer to the seawall while Fast Company hugged the breakwater.
That helped Fast Company eke out a lead over the nine-boat fleet heading for the final turn.
At the first horn, Fast Company had control on a 44:17 PHRF sail followed by OZone at 46:48 PHRF. Lelele (47:01 PHRF), Papa‘au (48:17 PHRF) and Speedy (49:02 PHRF) rounded out the leader field.
Malihini, a 35’ cat, filled in the sixth berth on a 50:02 PHRF sail followed by Coyote (55:07 PHRF), Bonjolea (56:26 PHRF) and Trinity, an F-28R, rounding out the pack at 58:55 PHRF.
Gibson said there is one more race in the Rum Series before the NYC takes on the around-the-island Memorial Day race.
The public is invited to view the competition at no charge from the jetty wall area on Thursday. First flags fly at 5 p.m.
