Day three stared off with Wallbanger being in the local paper (Hampton Daily Press). Rusty brought us the picture which was very cool. The day also found us in a close duel with Killshot and Rockette. We decided that our goal for this day was to go out and try to move ahead of both of them. Killshot had a one point lead on us and Rockette had us by two points.
The RC got off 3 races in wind that was a little less that Saturday, about 15-20. We started at the pin as we did almost every race. We went left initially as it had worked before. We noticed that in the different breeze direction, there seemed to be a shift on the right side of the course. We tacked over to get to the right side all the while keeping our two competitors under close supervision. We sailed smooth and clean. Kris got very, very good at calling the crossings. There were several that I would have tacked or ducked but we made it.
By this time, the crew was getting very good at gybing as soon as we rounded. Suzanna would just about get the jib down when the call would come for a gybe. With Neil trimming sheet and guy, the foredeck team was able to gybe easily.
We held to the same strategy for the final two races. We did a good job of putting Rockette behind us but we just could not get in front of Killshot until the last race and then it was only by one point so they gained one point on us for the day while we gained 8 points on Rockette. We need work on downwind tactics and strategy (we means me). We don’t seem to be in the right place at the right time. Crew work wise, we definitely have found a great group to sail with. We seem to mesh very well.
After the races, we went back to the dock and started the work at dismantling the boat for the trip home. We got our place in line and when it was our turn, the big crane lifted the boat out of the water, swung it around and placed it neatly on the trailer. We learned a couple of things from this. One, it was Rumb Punch's lifting strap that we had found on Thursday night. Two, it helps to keep the boat level if you pull the lifting strap as far aft as possible in the hole. Run a line back to the winches. Three, our bottom needs work. And number four, keep track of your fouls and gas tank. Both my fouls and our gas tank got left at the club. I think that I'm going to have Kris sew may name on all my stuff so that I can get it back.
After the boat was on the trailer, we went to the awards. Everyone got a glass, which was cool. Hustler won, Dirty Harry was second and with a strong final day, Patriot came in third. All said, the racing was wonderful, they people were very nice, the club facilities were excellent and we had a great time. The one thing that was missing was tee shirts. I think that they give the class a lot of exposure for a long time because the crew wears them long after the event is over.
One very funny sight was the meeting of the pit crews from Hustler, Dirty Harry and Wallbanger. The juxtaposition of seeing Siobhan next to these two rather large men discussing how they go about doing their jobs was very funny.
Trip home was uneventful about 9 and half hours to get back. Next up is Key West and we have most of the same crew. Now on to the list of work that needs to be done.