Racers

After the initial cluster **** at the start, Charlie rallied the troops and got us lined up in time for the anticipated wind shift to the east. Unfortunately Gadgets was left behind for a bit as the lighter boats were able to get into clear air that much quicker with Kermit leading the pack. The wind was light but steady across Swanson Channel and the fleet stretched out with Kermit and Whiteshell II developing a commanding lead. Velero was nipping at Gazelle’s heels, and went clear ahead just past Canoe Rock. The ferry split the fleet at that point with Gadgets, Carib and Velero to the east and Kermit, Whiteshell II and Gazelle to the west. It was uphill against the tide rounding the south of Portland, milking every little gust for everything it was worth. Once clear of Portland, the wind steadied and freshened allowing a straight shot into shingle bay with slight differences between the leading boats. Kermit favoured the leeward route towards Beaver Point, Whiteshell II favoured the windward route to Moat Point and Gazelle split the difference. As Kermit approached Shingle Bay, the wind dropped significantly and her finish seemed painfully slow. The wind picked up a bit after that and the remainder of the fleet finished soon after with Gadgets almost catching Whiteshell after a late charge across the channel.