Star Bacardi Cup: Day Two

2005 Star North American champ and Quantum Sails rep George Szabo files this report from the Bacardi Cup in Miami, FL:

(Monday, March 6) Things were starting well today. We got to the club early, found a good parking spot (parking is at a premium with 93 boats on the line), and the weather was clear, sunny, and warm. With little or no breeze as we put the boat in the water, it looked like a postponement was going to be in the works. Fortunately, the breeze began to fill, and there was an 8-knot oscillating breeze at start time. The fleet was a little jumpy again, but we all got off the line on the second attempt - with the Black Flag up. About six boats were recorded BFD - including Horten/Nichols who would have had a fantastic result otherwise.

I have not been through the rulebook with a fine toothcomb yet, but a little controversy began at the weather mark. While rounding the first mark, the RC had an "L" flag up - the yellow/black Come Within Hail flag - and a notice board with six bow numbers that were determined over early. Normally with a Black Flag start, and a notice at the weather mark, you are required to sail off the course and retire from the race. If you continue sailing, you are thrown from the race, AND you are unable to drop the score from your results.

One of the teams that were BFD and listed on the Black Flag board continued to sail and finished the race. Now for the controversy - they went into the room, and claimed that they were not notified correctly. The decision made by the jury, was that the team was not notified correctly, and they are allowed to drop the score from their results. It might be correct, but I have to look into that one later.

(Curmudgeon's Comment: George sent a note Tuesday morning to say that the fine tooth combs have been busy running through the rules, and found out that the decisions regarding the Black flag decision last night were sorted out correctly.)

Our boat speed was a little frustrating today, and we are now certain that the tuning numbers from the previous boat are not working on this boat (which we are sailing for the first time). After the start, we were near the eventual race leaders, but did not have the same speed. There was the choice of pointing and not going fast, or going fast and not pointing. On the second beat, nothing was working. I tried hiking (it was at least 12 knots) and that seemed better, but it still was not quite right.

The elusive fix had to be found, and after the race finished at 2:30pm, we turned back upwind for some tuning and tweaking with a coach in tow. The wind came up to a beautiful 12-15 knots. Looking like we were in detention, all the good students were allowed to sail home and back to the pool, and we had to stay out and do our homework. After moving the rake, changing both shrouds, and even experimenting with a different mast step position, we think we have solved a problem or two. The boat is definitely feeling better, and tracking better in the puffs.

Back at the dock, the new hot ticket is the $20 massage for 30 minutes from the U of M Grad Students. 15-17 knots from the NW forecasted for tomorrow (Tuesday). That should be shifty, and the left side should be favored. - George Szabo

Click here for results.

Day One - Day Two - Day Three - Day Four - Day Five - Day Six