Shifting winds

Published 13:04 on 5 Mar 2023

Race 7 of the Gulf Habour Marina 2022 / 2023 Twilight Series on Wednesday evening was looking like a drifter - however we got lucky ! Course 3 was selected by John Bruce with what was going to be a downwind start to set the 13 strong fleet down towards the Gulf Habour mark - those who had eyes across the course noticed the breeze coming from a more SW direction and indeed it arrived during the start sequence. Patiko & Share Delight set off at the favourable boat end. Memphis, Odyssey V, Hijinx & Glory Days hoisted extras and managed to carry them for (surprisingly) most the leg. Meanwhile at the pin end Toyshop was doing pirouettes after being OCS & Kirsten J & Wharanaki IV were caught in the tide and dirty air from the rest of the fleet & racing the clock to get over the line within the 10minute limit.
The second leg was layable in one tack the first time, if the wind shifts were taken advantage of. Course 3 had the fleet heading back to the Gulf Harbour mark with several extras hoisted in a gybe set, before those leading the fleet had to weave their way back up to the top mark on Port tack. Share Delight skipper Mike Lanigan generously gave credit to the Patiko crew, who having prepped for their bear away spinnaker hoist, were unfortunate to experience a 30degree wind shift allowing Share Delight to 'thread the needle ´ with the inside line.

Line Honours: Hijinx
3rd : Memphis, 2nd : Patiko, 1st : Share Delight

Last updated 17:12 on 22 July 2025