OZone ekes out win in light and variables

OZone prevailed in light and variable winds to top the 12-boat field in the Nawiliwili Yacht Club Joel ehrlich Memorial Rum Race Series, No. 2, Thursday at Nawiliwili Harbor.

“Speedy won the start and had the lead coming in from the outside mark on the first leg, but on the shorter inside second leg, OZone managed to overtake Speedy and finish first,” said Sharon Gibon, the NYC scorekeeper. “Speedy finished second overall, but Bonjolea corrected ahead of her by four seconds to take the No. 2 spot.”

The light and variable winds, blowing from 0 to 10 knots, caused spinnakers to bloom during the outbound leg to the outside mark as well as on the return trip.

OZone crossed the finish line on a 45:12 elapsed sail, correcting to 45:16 PHRF for top honors.

Bonjolea, finishing third overall at 48:08 elapsed, corrected to 46:17 PHRF for second place followed by Speedy crossing at 46:17 elapsed but correcting to 46:21 PHRF for third place.

Papa‘au, crossing just 18 seconds behind Bonjolea at 48:26 elapsed, corrected to 46:22 PHRF. She also corrected to 43:29 Club to top that class.

Fast Company, finishing the opening race of the series in the top spot, crossed on a 47:33 elapsed and corrected to 47:37 PHRF for fifth place.

Rebel, a Wells 27, with its new owner Mark Brewer came out for his first race and crossed on a 1:08:36 elapsed sail, correcting to 56:27 PHRF for ninth place.

Following Fast Company, Lelele (48:54 elapsed, 48:45 PHRF), Malolo (49:40 elapsed, 49:58 PHRF), Mapuana (57:59 elapsed, 55:11 PHRF), Rebel, Coyote (1:02:18 elapsed, 56:27 PHRF), Maeva (1:06:30 elapsed, 1:06:30 PHRF) and Windspan (1:16:04 elapsed, 1:14:08 PHRF) filled out the field.

The NYC Joel Ehrlich Memorial Rum Race Series continues with Race No. 3, Thursday and the public is invited to view the competition when first flag fly at 5 p.m. from the jetty wall.

Visit www.nawiliwiliyachtclub.org for more information.