Regatta Time!

The first day of racing is over and all races were held even though it looked more like Sacandaga then Elizabeth Harbor yesterday.  Still, they got 3 races off and this morning there is a little more wind and the "C" class boats are heading out now.

But first…….one rule of taking pictures we know is:  always put the little object in front of the bigger object.

Nati & Cool Cat 1

Nati doesn't look too small when you see her this way vs. Cool Cat 1 @ 60 feet!  Look, our mast is even taller!!!  Paul is currently painting the topsides and I think the deck is bigger than our townhouse.

Back to regatta……

The boats arrived in all sorts of ways….sailed, pulled, and on ships.  Being that we have a front row anchorage position we were able to see them show up over the last few days.

The 61st running of the event

A "C" class boat coming in

beached at Kidd Cove

Fv Captain Ron brought in 4 boats from Long Island

and even more boats!

With lots of work to be done

An "A" class boat

The regatta village is almost done too.  We can't wait to see the place rocking' and rolling later today and tonight.  We hope to do one short night in town and then run fast!

Our type of joint

Before the crowd

A relaxed patron

Watching the races yesterday was a lot of fun.  A bunch of dinghies ran along side of the races along with many small power boats cheering their favorite boat along.  With so little wind there were bound to be some interesting mark roundings and yes……we saw our share.  Funny thing……Bahamians talk just like Hobie sailors going around a mark with no wind……..same yelling, swearing and finger pointing.  We felt right at home!

The starts are very different.  All boats are anchored with sails down.  At the gun they pull the anchor (also moving the boat forward) and then almost at the same time the sails go up.  Don't try this on Seneca Lake!

At the starting gun

Moments later

"C" class

trapping on the board!

Racing through the cruising boats

any room on board?

At one rounding the lead boats were dead in the water and sure enough the pack brought the wind down and suddenly the placid quiet rounding was very interesting.  If you look close you can see the man in the dinghy, who  a moment before was anchored, sipping on a beer, finds himself about to get tossed into the water by the boom of the boat……he made it by an inch.  Again, a few choice words were heard.

Notice man staying about to get run over!

He survived but the rounding was a little messy

Day 2 racing will start soon.  Stand by for another segment.