Lightning Crews Spread Glory Around
With highly variable wind conditions prevailing, all the Lightning Crews found opportunity and glory. "Wind Dancer" did her circle after fouling "Bananas" just after the start, but then got in phase and hit every shift to pull in front and win race one. Pat Dolan, Bob Miller and Gil Chesbro went on to win Race two as well, but slipped to third in the final race.
Jonathan Ahlbrand, Tom Hutton and Nikiforos Delatolas took a while to get "Bananas" going. However, after a fifth in the first race, they jumped to second in the second and brought home a win in the third - just edging out "Splash" at the finish line.
"Splash" was driven by Brad Kleihege while Jim and Maribeth Fletcher handled crewing duties. After a 4th and 5th, they pushed the leader hard in race three and almost caught them at the end.
The "Bo Jangles" crew of Merrick Hurlbutt, Robert Mosher and Scott Watkins had a 3-4-4 day. Sporting new sails, they had great upwind speed. They also exhibited some solid sailing to avoid "Wind Dancer" as a big gust caught both boats by surprise with spinnakers flying. "Wind Dancer" went into an out-of-control round up right in front of "Bo Jangles", but good work by Hurlbutt and crew enabled them to pass by safely.
Mike Moody had crew aboard that hadn't worked together before. However, Susan Peters and Julie Pierce turned in a solid performance to help "Moody's Booty" score a second and third before struggling to a fifth in the final race.
It was a very nice day on the water. Sunshine for the most part and interesting wind conditions to test strategy and tactics skills of the crews.
"Wind Dancer" reaching |
"Bananas" gets a first |
"Splash" tacks for mark |
"Bo Jangles" starts spin set |
"Moody's Booty" flying |
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