NAWILIWILI — Bonjolea II, a 36-foot Sydney piloted by Bonnie Tiffany, picked up its fourth consecutive victory since the Nawiliwili Yacht Club resumed its competitive sailing in February.
Chris Jordan, the normal skipper aboard OZone, a 30-foot Olson, said Bonjolea II took line honors, and first place of the Ken Martinez, Race No. 2 on Thursday, Feb. 15.
“A whopping four minutes and 22 seconds in the lead on corrected time,” Jordan said. “Great work, Bonnie and crew! OZone took second place by a minute and 23 seconds over Fast Company, who finished in third place by a minute and 24 seconds ahead of Double Espresso, who had a very good race.”
Danny Judd took over steering OZone for the length of Race No. 2, and had to deal with Bonjolea II coming up close, almost pushing OZone over the starting line, early, Jordan said.
Zachary Lange, the waterfront director of the Duluth-Superior Sailing Association in Minnesota, is back for his second winter teaching the Kaua‘i Sailing Association kids who had a blast during the winds at the NYC Opening Day races.
Zack was on the helm of Double Expresso with the younger KSA sailors, relegating Carl “Uncle Carl” Anderson to the ranks of spectator while Double Espresso gave Fast Company a run for their money during the first half of the race.
“At the Ninini Lighthouse buoy, it was Bonjolea II rounding first followed by OZone, Double Espresso and Fast Company. It looked like Fast Company went up higher after rounding in order to get their spinnaker up earlier in the very northerly winds before heading down towards the breakwater. OZone kept down lower under jib and didn’t raise their spinnaker until they got back into the harbor,” Jordan said.
“Heading to the G-11 buoy by the Coast Guard station, the wind was a little flukey, and Fast Company was gaining on OZone. After rounding, they went further to weather of OZone, and as they approached the obstruction zone fronting the Race Committee, they called for room. They had a small overlap and Judd gave just enough room for Fast Company to squeeze by without hitting the R-6 buoy, or OZone. But this put Fast Company in bad air and OZone pulled away.”
Meanwhile, Bonjolea II was so far ahead, it appeared like they were in a different race, Jordan said.
The next race in the Ken Martinez Commodore Series takes place on Thursday, Feb. 22, with a 5 p.m. start.
“Rumor has it that the Olson 30 Kato with owner Kevin Millett will be racing,” Jordan said. “The public is invited to watch the race from the Nawiliwili mole parking area where the race committee is located.”
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
