Snipe Western Hemisphere & Orient Championship at Boston - Day 1
by International Snipe Class 22 Sep 2021 02:19 UTC
21-25 September 2021
Two races were held today on Boston Harbor in beautiful conditions for all. Glorious 70 degrees with 6-8 knots of breeze greeted the anxious fleet as they waited for the first gun.
A little too anxious as the first race was a general recall and after a second start under U flag, 6 teams were caught over with only 1 returning. As the race progressed, Arthur Blodgett and Gracie Howe (USA) lead into the gate and miscalculated the finish line allowing the Chilean team to cross first - but they were OCS so Blodgett/Howe became race winners followed by Taylor Scheuermann and Charlie Bess (USA) and Augie Diaz/Barbie Brotons (USA) in third.
After some shifting and increasing breezes, the race course was adjusted and the second race began in 10 knots and an ebb tide. The current was pushing north/south across the race course and added to another set of 6 boats called OCS. PRO Matt Hill commented on the "good, tight racing with the fleet hanging tight together" which was evident again as the fleet finished within minutes of each other. Local Jim Bowers with Julia Marsh Rabin (USA) capitalized on his local knowledge and
Regatta leader Diaz commented, "Ernesto Rodriguez (USA) should be in the lead, as he was in control of both races, but he got too far ahead in the last race and we were able to get on one side of him and jump him. But the best move of the day was Jimmie Bowers who stayed right and got in the current to jump 10 boats."
Racing continues Wednesday through Saturday with 9 races scheduled. Tomorrows forecasts is for warmer temperatures and lighter winds.
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