Moored Puerto Galera
Mindoro, Philippines
We have just about recovered from our stressful three days of racing along with the usual after race yacht club activites. We had one race each day of from 16 to 25 miles long and 19 boats entered in the regatta. Here they use a pursuit format with what is supposed to be the slowest boat starting first and the fasted last. Now this is all based on a rating system for each individual boat. If the ratings are accurate and the boat is sailed well the finish should be close.
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| AN 8 METER BUILT IN 1928 OFF TO RACE |
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| CAPTAIN / OWNERDAVID |
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READY FOR A DAY ON THE WATER
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Our ride the Santa Cruz 50 "X" was rated the fasted boat in the fleet getting to start one hour and eight minutes after the first boat and 12 minutes behind our closest competitor. The first race was a windward leeward windward course of about 25 miles. We had a total of eleven on the boat though 3 were just ride alongs. Some on our crew had raced here before and had some local knowledge.
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| WHAT I DO BEST SITTING ON THE RAIL |
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| VERY PRETTY |
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| DOWNWIND BEFORE THE CHUTE EXPLODED |
After tacking around we began the downwind leg in about 15 knots of wind. As we continued along the wind shifted and velocity increased and next the chute was exploding. We finished the race but there was no passing of other boats.
Day two found different conditions. 25 to 30 knots of wind and very rough seas. "X" no longer carries it's compliment of racing sails and we were very overpowered with only the large headsail now on board. Rather than risk any more breakage of equipment David decided to abandon the race soon after our start. Therefore we had a bit of relaxing afternoon before the yacht club activities.
Day three provide lighter winds and a shorter course. We did manage to pass a couple of boats but not enough. Trying to establish accurate handicaps for boats of varying sizes especially ones that have been turned from racers to cruisers is a difficult proposition. The most importent thing was everyone involved had fun.
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| WE HAD A GREAT TIME |
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