It was not a blustery morning upon Sully Bay, despite the sailors best hopes for the sort of morning in which the sea appears possessed of opinions of its own. The wind, measly at nigh on two miles per hour, made every sail a matter of negotiation rather than certainty. The sky remained stubbornly overcast, with the promise of some sunshine later, and the tide—so very important to all concerned—was approaching its low water at approximately twelve forty-four in the afternoon, ensuring a generous expanse of water upon which the fleet might conduct their rivalries.
Race the First
Neil, whose confidence upon the water has long been acknowledged by all who have ever attempted to follow him, created a most convincing lead toward the first mark. Steve followed with determination, though at some distance, while Jason and Robin pursued with admirable seriousness. Pietro, sailing the Topper, completed the company at the rear, though not without spirit.
It was at the mark that Jason, whether from enthusiasm, miscalculation, or some lingering loyalty to the festive rules of the Christmas Race, struck the buoy and was obliged to complete a full three-hundred-and-sixty-degree turn around it. This manoeuvre, while performed with dignity, did little to improve his position.
By the second lap the order had settled into something more definite. Neil remained firmly in first place and seemed most fortunate in his choice of leg just as the wind filled in with greater enthusiasm. Steve followed over three-quarters of a minute behind, with Robin on his tail and Jason a further twenty five seconds after him. Yet as the wind became more consistent, the fleet drew closer together, the boats bunching in a manner that must have made the final approach most exciting for all observers.
The finishing times were therefore as follows: Piedro completed the course in thirty-four minutes and fifty-one seconds, securing first place in the slow fleet with considerable respectability. Among the fast fleet sailors, Neil led with thirty-five minutes and four seconds, followed by Steve in thirty-five minutes and twenty-six seconds, Jason in thirty-five minutes and fifty-seven seconds, and Robin in thirty-six minutes and nineteen seconds. The closeness of these times speaks more eloquently than any commentary on the competitiveness of the race.
Race the Second
The second race commenced in a noticeably stiffer breeze, a circumstance which altered both tactics and tempers. Steve led the fleet inshore, while Neil and Pedro elected for the offshore route, each party evidently convinced of their superior wisdom. At first it appeared the inshore line had the advantage, but upon rounding the Barry Pin the Laser fleet clustered together once more, heading toward the gybe mark with renewed rivalry.
Mark three saw the fleet remarkably close together, no sailor willing to concede even a yard. Downwind, the boats jostled for position with great determination: Steve led, Robin followed, and Jason was only two seconds behind Robin, a proximity that must have produced considerable tension aboard both boats. Neil, in hot pursuit, remained offshore with Pietro, shortly followed by Robin on a similar line. Jason, meanwhile, chose the inshore route for the next lap, a decision which must have seemed either inspired or disastrous depending upon one’s allegiance.
As it transpired, Steve held his lead with admirable composure. Robin was now thirteen seconds behind, while Neil followed twenty-one seconds later, and Jason another thirteen seconds after him—clear evidence that the inshore gamble had not paid on this occasion.
Pietro, meanwhile, struggled somewhat offshore, where the considerable tides carried him off course more than once; yet perseverance is a virtue rarely unrewarded, and he held on to a very respectable first place in the slow fleet.
At the finish, Steve secured first place, followed by Neil, then Robin, and finally Jason, with a mere two minutes separating the entire fast fleet—an outcome which must be considered both thrilling and entirely satisfactory to all who value close competition and good sailing.
Thus concluded two races at Sully Bay conducted under lively skies, strong tides, and stronger rivalries – circumstances which, though demanding, produced a day of sailing that will no doubt be discussed at length for some time to come.