HR3, 2011

What a spectacular autumn day for Hot Rum number three.  The crowds are  thinning with the cool weather upon us leaving only the truly dedicated sailors on the water.  We headed out today to beautiful blue skies and very light and patchy breeze out of the North.  The RC signaled course SCXCAF and sounded the 5 minute warning right on time.  Looking up the race course it appeared that considerable skill would be needed to keep us from sailing into the many holes on the first beat.  We had a great midline start on Starboard with clear air and just a nose ahead of the pack.  We followed the boats who were closer to the committee boat and flipped over to port trying to position ourselves in a nice patch of wind just South of the red marker.  It looked like the best strategy would be to hug the Eastern shore and take advantage of any lifts as we headed North.  We managed to stay  ahead of all but one boat and round C just behind Pinstripe.  After a quick set and jibe we sailed our best angle downwind and constantly worked at trying to drive deep in any puffs.  Rounding A mark we weaved our way through Starboard traffic who were still working their way downwind as we slowly started losing ground to that untouchable J29.  The next beat and run went as smooth as any we have ever sailed with the breeze picking up closer to 6-8 knots.  It was a sprint down to A mark rounding just ahead of Predator and Decision, throwing them just enough dirt to prevent being passed on the last beat.  After all was said and done we crossed the line 2nd, still well behind J, but comfortably ahead of many.  Thanks to Henry H for joining us on the water today as his crew has apparently abandoned him to go climb a small hill.  See you next week for the final race of the 2011 Hot Rum.