Choptank Cup, October 10, 2020

WHATTA DAY!

The wind proved to be perfect for this long race. Initially, the forecast was to present stronger winds with gusts to 25 Knots; but, a steady 11-18 knot Southwest wind prevailed most of the day. Under a continuing overcast sky,  the fleet was able to sail between and beam reach to close hauled all the way to the Sharp's Island Light  and back: a one-tack cruise for 31.9 NM. The return trip was between a broad-beam reach to a close all the way.   

Another surprise was the turn-out. Seven boats started the race. All sailed non-spinnaker. Slice, sailing single handed, challenged the pace against the bigger boats before turning back. 

As the race developed, two matches races evolved. It was Jambo pitted against Reveille. After 31.9 NM, they crossed the finish line within 2 minutes, 38 seconds of each other with the advantage to Reveille. 

The other match-up was Gabrielle verses Tamarind. Their finish had Gabrielle crossing the line 1 minute, 33 seconds before Tamarind. These boats jockeyed for position side-by side for the entire race. What fun was that!

Whistle Jacket kept pace with both match-ups finishing in between. Jitterbug finished the race after seven hours and had the honor of retrieving the finish line marker. 

After PHRF correction, Tamarind proved to be the best. Congratulations to all skippers and their crews.

1st  -Tamarind - Mark McIver

2nd - Revielle - Tom Jackson

3rd - Jambo - Trevor Carouge

Got more photos? 

Send them to essasailing38@gmail.com 

The fleet moves out after the start
Left to right: Gabrielle, Reveille, Tamarind, Jambo, Whistle Jacket

Sharp's Island Light, half-way (definitely needs a paint job.)

Fair winds to all,

George Breig, 

Choptank Scorekeeper and ESSA blogger.