April Report

It was the second real race of the HBYC season and all 14 captains were geared up for the event.

The captains meeting went as normal with no one really paying attention. The race director tried to review some of the basic racing rules but his words of wisdom fell on deaf ears.

Their main focus at the captains meeting was their new electronic equipment, shinny bottom jobs and their strategy on how to beat the Commodore.( Ed-the commodore was not in attendance so everyone was quite vocal about their plans. )

The March Fun Race was scheduled for a 13:45 start. Time 2 Cruise was having no part of it and decided to break down in the middle of the channel on her way to the starting line. She was towed to safety by LIR and awaited the all too familiar rendezvous with Captain Reds on tow boat US.

With committee boat Voyager II in place and outer markers set by We Go, the 13 remaining racers jockeyed for the perfect start position. Needless to say with all that traffic it was more chaotic than a bunch of old ladies during a blue light special at K- mart.

Soiree and Cat Can Do were the first to cross the line. Lady In Red was headed for dead center of the cat flanked by Sounds Good, Dunteri and Callystos. Although a little rusty from their winter vacation, all 13 boats utilized their expertise and good judgment which resulted in an exciting and clean start.

The race to the first mark was a tacking duel wrapped up in strategies sometimes only known and understood by the individual captains.

Mahalo, a tried and true race boat with a new captain, Good Ship Lollipop and Northern Lights were in their own battle and staying out of trouble. Ronsway , Czech Mate and Bayou Girl were chasing down the leaders and gaining fast. The first turn traffic was just as bad as the tourist leaving Hudson beach after sunset.

The field spread out a little after the first marker and everyone set their sights on turn two and then the finish. LIR finally caught up to Soiree offering her crew what was left of the Bloody Marys (non alchoholic) if she would just slow down. Callystos was pushing hard and running faster than ever. The fleet headed for the finish line like the cows headed to the barn for dinner time.

The first boat on the water to finish was Lady In Red followed by Soiree and Callystos.

After the handicaps were applied:

1 st Soiree - Jack and Brenda

2 nd Lady In Red- Gene and Chris

3 rd Callystos- Jim Glessner

First Time Racer- Mahalo, Paul Kendrick

Thanks to our Committee boats Voyager II and We Go. Thanks also to the spectator fleet.

Next Race MAY 15 th-the Saint Martins Trophy Race

Pleased don’t forget the Hooters Land/Sea Adventure on April 17 th. See you there.

Enough for now, my wife says I have to make the “Lady” faster.

Gene