Nice day, albeit a little light, for the first day of fleet racing. We had 8 eager boats all set up, and ready to go sailing!

When we thought the wind had finally settled, Hatch started us by Deer Island light, and sent us towards the Winthrop channel in about 5-10 knots. Costa/Marks lead the race going into the first mark followed closely by Braverman/Rezac, and MacDonald/Davis. On the second windward leg, MacDonald/Davis and a host of others sailed the Deer Island shore pretty hard, and made out like bandits, nipping those who sailed up the middle, and destroying those who went up the left side. The second run turned into a very light, tight reach, with MacDonald/Davis eeking out a victory over a rapidly approaching Woods/Paton, who had hugged the shoreline to get the puffs first.

For the next hour, we watch our windexes go in circles, and boats sailing parallel to each other on opposite tacks in the same direction. The breeze finally filled from 150 and backing to 120, at about 10-12 knots and building to 15 just in time for the sail back to the club.

Costa/Marks lead the charge to the Long Island shore. MacDonald/Davis hit the Deer Island shore pretty hard again, and although at times looked like they sailed themselves into oblivion, came across the current with speed and rounded in the top 4. The run was pretty uneventful, but the breeze had started to build and back. Costa/Marks extended their lead on the next upwind and downwind and crossed the line in front of MacDonald/Davis in a parade to the finish.

We also welcomed Tufts rising junior Joel Hanneman, sailing with class veteran George Iverson, tuning up for the fall Collegiate Pine Trophy. Joel sailed very well throughout the races, but fell victim to the local conditions.

Thanks to Hatch, Dan, Jim and Dev for the races in tough conditions.