Sportsmanship! Everyone seems to know what it is but it can be rather hard to come by at times. It was however, not in short supply last night. We once again continued our blustery conditions for Wednesday race night. The was a very shift S to W wind in the 10-20 knot range. The course was once again the increasingly familiar SAPDXCD. We had a great start just under the pin with only TBD managing to slip to weather matching us right on the line at the gun. They managed to get about 1 boat length ahead of us at A mark and we rounded second just ahead of Ghost Rider. We had set up for a gybe set and popped the kite just after gybing around the offset mark. It took us a few seconds to get the spinnaker flying because we were forced to sail quite high during the hoist with Ghost Rider just to leward of us. Once we did get the kite pulling it was the ride of our lives. The bow came up, the spray started flying and the whole boat started to hum, it was a wild ride indeed. We kept the boat planning with speed ranging from 10-14 knots all the way to P mark. With only J ahead of us we managed to blow past them and take the lead in short order. This is where my rant regarding sportsmanship kicks in. Although the J29 is one of our closest competitors their whole crew was cheering us on as we passed them just to windward. Just so you know guys that means a lot, it's good to compete hard but still take enjoyment in others success, thanks. We managed to stay out in front for the remainder of the race but were growing increasing concerned with every mile watching J and GR grow larger in our rear view mirrors. We finished 1st for the first time this season and I tell you it sure felt good. Our team work is really starting to come together with everyone getting more used to their new positions.
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