Sailing Magazine
by Richard Crockett
Day 1 of the Cape Town Race Week has ended with some bruised egos and red faces over errors made on the race course. Yet despite this it appeared to be a good day overall with good winds – just what every yachtie wants.
The Cape 31 Racing report can be found HERE
Andrew Collins Reports on the Coastal Fleet Race
The Coastal Racing Class were set a simple course from the committee boat to Barker Rock, then around Harken and to the bridge hut finish line.
The fleet beam reached across to Mouille Point in a 20 knot south-easter. This wind carried them much further west than normal before switching to a north-wester, which allowed a very pleasant straight line fetch to the rock.
It was critical to pick a lane with breeze. A few boats made the mistake of getting out of this lane and watching others sail around or away from them. Carousel had a particularly nasty time of it off Bantry Bay. Or it may just be their braai was ready and they lost focus a little? Tenacity did the best job of staying with the breeze and built a considerable lead.
After rounding Barker the boats were able to get their spinnakers up for the run to Harken. Bodytec Flyer, with a symmetrical kite could sail deep and cut off a lot of distance allowing them to catch up considerably.
The leading four boats had a very short beat approaching Harken and a lovely final reach to the finish as the south-easter filled in again.
Overall Results for ALL Classes HERE:
181215 CTRW Results Class A day 1
