Race #2 Lightning North American Champs
Andy Horton 15089
The 2nd race began in a softening Northerly
breeze. The forecast for the day
was a light Northerly (under 10 knots), getting lighter and more variable.
The forecast was right on for the 2nd race, really shifty and
pretty light.
Right as the gun went off a huge right shift came across
the course. We were on the left,
about 2 boats from the pin. 80% of
the beat was sailed in a 20 degree right shift, but luckily in the top 20%
pressure came in from the left. Of
course we spent the whole beat trying to get right, looking about 25th
at one point. Rounding the top mark
about 13th.
After the first beat the race was actually one of the less
eventful of the week. The course
was a reverse Olympic (windward, leeward, triangle, windward).
This is a great course for the Lightning if there is any breeze.
It keeps the fleet close for a tactical run, but also some reaching,
which require excellent technique.
Anyway, we finished 7th, just behind a pack of
three. Not sure who the leaders
were, the lightening breeze and 100+ boats left enough chop around that I did
not have much of a chance to watch who was who.
As always the Lightning NA’s is a great regatta, great
people and great competition. Between
the scenery, smooth running regatta and great sponsors it has made for the best
NA’s I can remember.
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