TUESDAY NIGHT SERIES - FLIGHT 5

A somewhat abbreviated report this week as your correspondent is still creaking a groaning after a stint on the bow of Tortuga (779), an experience which was by turns exhausting and terrifying.  This used to be my regular berth, but I must have been more agile and less (financially) interested in the boat back then.  Anyway, I salute the fleet's bowmen.

The evening produced three very close races with plenty of drama.  Most of that drama was, as ever, at the mark rounding and it has become increasingly evident that it is there that places - and races - are won and lost.  The short course format does not produce too many passing opportunities on the legs and so it pays to find clear air after the start and consolidate a position that can be built upon.  This was starkly illustrated by Andrew Wills and crew on Feng Shui (1348) in Race 3 who, starting only marginally ahead of Tortuga (779), tacked, cleared their air, and only tacked about 3 more times throughout the entire race, to show the fleet a clean set of heels.

Victory in Flight 5, then, to Feng Shui (1348), from Valsheda (950) and Bobby's Girl (1058).  Hayden Whitburn's Upfront (814) remains well in contention for the series, which Valsheda (950) hanging on to pole position from Feng Shui (1348).

Many thanks again to RNZYS and the Race Committee.

PROVISIONAL results from RNZYS are here (flight) and here (series).