First Race Of The Season

Yesterday was the first cruising boat race of the season for the Hope Town Sailing Club. Dave and I were on the mark boat, which was a very comfortable Rosborough 24, provided by members Colin and Jan.



Out on the triangular course, race committee member John checks the wind direction, so we have the marks set in the right places.



Ann hands us the last mark from Doug and Betsy's Surf Song, used as the day's committee boat.




The start was a bit slow, with several boats trailing behind, but these three were first over the start line. They certainly show the different types of sailboats that participate in the club's regattas.



The Abaco Rage is always amazing to watch.


The Abaco Rage Sailing Syndicate is offering positions to race each time now, and during this race there were many smiling 'newbies' included in the 14 member crew.



Richard, one of the key experienced crew members had to go out and make adjustments to the sail. Talk about a precarious position!



Unfortunately the Rage had a halyard issue and that huge mainsail came down. This caused the crew out on the prys to get doused in the Sea of Abaco.



What a way to 'baptize' the newbies! Everyone was okay, but the Rage could not complete the race. What an experience they won't forget though.

This Sunday will be the first Sunfish regatta. Dave will be racing and I will be helping run the races on the committee boat. Hopefully the weather will cooperate as well as it did for the first cruising boat race.