Post-Christmas Series - Flight 3

Craig Greenwood and crew of Affinity (1059) re-joined the fleet after an extended Christmas break with a strong performance to take out Flight 3 from Feng Shui (1348) and Valsheda (950).  

On another balmy Auckland evening, with the wind forecast to increase from an initial 12 knots, the crucial call was if and when to peel to a oilskin trouser and, as it transpired, your correspondent and the crew of Tortuga (779) went early:  the breeze dropping to produce uncomfortably  humid conditions on the downwind legs.

This change was also evident on downwind sail selection and in race 3, Valsheda (950) showed an unmatched turn of speed under a reacher, while others soaked ponderously to the finish, to take a convincing win.

The RNZYS race committee had set a shorter course than last week, producing some furious short tacking in a near-slack tide.  The racing was thrillingly close, particularly in race 2, which might have belonged to anyone in a neck-and-neck sprint to the post.

With the Auckland Champs only two weeks away, crews should be hitting their straps in next week's flight.  We look forward to seeing a full complement out on the water.

Results are here (flight) and here (series)