Commodore’s Cup 2009 Series Begins

Although Winds were extremely light today, 3 boats headed out as scheduled for the first official race, at the start Platypus was over the line causing the boat to re-enter the starting arena and take penalty prior the race end, the penalty was taken prior the rounding of the second marker. At the Start Arlan is off the line first winning the pre-start battle, soon past by the Commodore Rene Basque on Cactus L, “winner last years Cup”. At the second Marker Rene Cactus L is way out in front, then Mark, Platypus, followed by Arlan Red Barron. All boats now having taken thier respective handicaps are close racing windward to the 3rd and top marker, approaching the marker its Platypus, Cactus L, and the Barron all in close quarters, Cactus L rounds the mark first taking the lead and the red Barron follows through both passing Platypus. Racing the final downwind leg its close and anyone’s victory to the end. Both Cactus L and Platypus begin pulling away from the Red Barron now caught in dead air. Cactus L tacks to gain better position to overtake Platypus, Platypus leverages a ongoing shore tack and passes the Finnish to take the first official win.

Close Action at the 3rd Marker

Race 2

The second race brought out two boats to the starting post, Arlan’s “Red Barron” and Marks “Platypus” two evenly matched boats (Falcon’s) and skippers. With only 2 points up for grabs today’s race would be interesting due to the ever changing wind directions. At the prestart both boats were off the line equally, Platypus however, was closer to the rounding mark and first around, the red baron moves in to steel wind from the opponent and gains ground quickly. Around the second mark both boats are in close proximity. Both these Captain’s when competing pull all the stops, as a week ago, the “Platypus” sank towards the upper marker, only one day after the “Red Barron” nearly sank at the First Marker. The Red Barron puts on great chase to the upper mark, the barons skipper selects a tack in risky  maneuver to gain favor over the platypus for the lead, the manover does not pay off. Around the top mark Platypus rounds first heading down wind where a complete wind change occurs at the same time the Red Baron rounds the upper mark, the shift would mean the race would be all tacking with no down wind leg. As the Platypus rounded the upper mark prior this she gained increasing ground, ground that would eventually decide this days race to the Platypus.

Race 3

June 28th The Commodore’s back from Las Angleas Cactus L is down 3 points from the series leader  Platypus holding 5 points, Cactus L is prior this race tied for second with Arlan’s Red Barron, the winds are favorible as Platypus and Cactus L head out to the course for the 5 minute pre start, as the Baron did not Race today she would not gain any valuable points, work will need to be done in the next race on the Westrate team aboard the Red Baron.

At the race start thing heat up quickly as the Commodore abard Cactus L seeks to eat some points up with a victory in todays race, but Daggett aboard Platypus is not so eager to lose any either. At he first mark its very close as both boats round the marker waving off any potential penalties, as this race will be fought on the water with good winds, the marker is Cactus L but Platypus is right there with him as they head windwards to the Second marker located at the Petitcodiac Causeway. Playpus takes lead over Cactus L as they duall all the way to the Mark, at the mark Platypus has several boat legnths on his opponent.  Cactus L Tacks away on a short tack, berring back towards the mark  passing Platypus at the Marker taking the lead. Cactus L now taking the PHRF penalty of 5 minutes rather than 7, as Platypus does not require to take her 2 minute penalty in this Race. At Cactus L’s restart, Platypus now leading towards the bottom Marker is given grand chase, as Cactus L at the third is only within less than a minute behind, the race would be close and both skippers pull the stops to ensure they are first to cross the finish. At the finish it would be Platypus closely followed within 4 boat legnths by Cactu’s L. Great Racing Action on the water today!