With a cool wind from the north-west the four GK24's that came out to race were lucky to have clear blue sky and bright sunshine. Whilst conditions were good first thing most competitors soon decided that the racing wasn't going to be a walk in the park. The wind strength was around 18kts but going up to the early/mid 20's in gusts. The usual suspects were out on the water with the usual rivalry between Scallywag and Genghis Khan. Gulf-Kilo showed some good upwind performance while pointing high and Graphik had the power to punch through the waves better than anyone.

In the first race Scallywag had a great start followed by Genghis, Gulf Kilo and Graphik. With new sails Graphik overtook Gulf Kilo with Genghis going for a tack to the north as Graphik came alongside. All GK's then started the chase to the first mark. The first run to a laid mark saw poled out genoa's as none of the skippers wanted to risk spinnakers in the conditions. The race had only two laps and was made interesting due to a move of the bottom mark for the second lap.

The second race had similar course and conditions. What made things interesting was that the shore-side to the course was much more sheltered than further out. This resulted in the GK fleet being split between those who wanted more shelter or more wind based on the choice of sail and reefs. Gulf Kilo and GraphiK had to retire on the second race due to gear failure but Genghis and Scally traded place throughout the length of the race.

On the final run Scally made the bold move of launching her spinnaker to catch up the 150 meters that Genghis had managed to build and by the end of the run the two boats were alongside each other. As the two rivals neared the mark Genghis was lucky not to lose the lead as a gust caused Scallywag to round-up into the wind. This should have given Genghis enough time to finish with a comfortable lead but she was overpowered coming into the mark and only just missing it. As Genghis had also rounded-up she had to do a tack and gybe to get back in a position to pass the mark allowing Scally to catch up. On the finish line Genghis was 1st with Scally crossing 30 seconds later.

For another race report see - www.duffs.net/OMK/2005_spring_parhelion.htm

Results