In the first race we sailed well tactically, but at the final leeward mark rounding we jammed our kite halyard and couldn't get the sail down. Watching Kowloon and Muffin go by us (while we dropped from first to back of the pack) was a killer. But we fought through, got the sails down, the jib back up and ground back a couple of places to salvage a 3rd. (One of the other boats who crossed in front of us actually retired for sailing into a restricted area, so I consider this a soft third.)
In the second race they sent us up to Spring Beach for the long race, despite the fact that the wind was fluky. We got a solid start in 2nd place (behind Muffin) out of an 11 boat fleet, and began the long beat outside into a northerly with a lot of west in it. Inside, Kowloon (with Ringer Bob Pistay calling tactics) found an Easterly breeze that led them more directly to the mark. Muffin and a lot of the rest of the fleet got stuck in a dead zone in the middle. Summer Light really got the outside to pay heading home, and finished first across the line. Kowloon did better by staying inside, and actually corrected into first. Leaving Ishtar 3rd across the line and 3rd on handicap.
So after two races, 2 thirds. Good enough for a strong second place so far for the series, but Kowloon is looking tough to dislodge at the top. We will have to match race with them next week and see if e can't steal a point or two on them. Good sailing!
