2026 Summer PHRF 5

Stephen Kidd

Arriving at NSC in the rain and hearing thunder, we were convinced the race would be cancelled. But it always pays to show up! The weather moved east, and we even had a break in the clouds. (Besides, the no-shows were given 19 points!) The W-course was set to the northeast. The wind ranged from 8 to 15 knots, averaging about 10. We didn't have a great start, unfortunately, but we were able to break away from the dirty air, crossing the line, and then several boats followed suit, confirming we made the right move. The wind was stronger on the right side of the course. With Michael on foredeck, and Martin and Gabriel on sheets, Gabriel manning the kite halyard, as well, the execution was nearly flawless. Michael resolved an hourglass on the second downwind by having Gabriel lower the chute briefly. Heading for the gates, we stayed on a starboard track until the Div. 1 upwind boats on port passed us, then gybed to head for the right gate. Michael stowed the kite efficiently so we could round the gate tightly to head upwind. Unlike most race nights when the wind progressively dies, it increased to 12 and 14 knots on our third time around the course, making for a great sail...until it dropped to 7 soon after rounding the mark to head downwind. We thought we would definitely have given Valeda III a scare, but she was a no show.