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Mercury Class Yacht Racing Association

The Fall OD Regatta had a smaller than expected turnout with 6 boats. The weather was great and the sailing conditions varied, which made it plenty interesting. 

 

Race 1 had light wind about 5-6 mph out of the south. Conditions tempted some to go left and some to go right up the first beat. Ben Bradley chose the right, and easily lead from start to finish on the single lap course.  The rest of the finishes pretty much tell the story. Following Bradley was Smith, Burch, Priest, K Dair, and Whelan.
Race 2 had a little more wind on a twice around course. The fleet stayed pretty close on the ½ mile windward leg. Burch got in the lead and finished first, followed by Whelan, K Dair, Smith, Bradley and Priest.
Race 3, had more wind maybe, 8+mph on a 3 lap course. Whelan got the lead at the first mark, and continued in the lead, but after rounding the 2nd windward mark, and setting the pole, lost sight of Smith to leeward and force Smith to alter course. After doing their turns Burch and Dair were ahead starting the final lap.  Burch finished first, followed by K Dair, Smith, Whelan, Bradley and Priest.
Race 4, Sunday morning had a surprise for us with a brisk northerly wind about 8-10 mph.  The starting line was set up near the breakwater, with the wind direction about 300 degrees.  The fleet mixed it up on the first beat with K Dair leading at the first mark, Whelan at the second mark. Smith went hard right on the 2nd beat, and lead at the next mark. Sailing to the next leeward mark the wind lighted up, and started to transition to the west.  The Race Committee recognized the transition and shortened the course finishing at the leeward mark after two laps. Smith was first, followed by Whelan, Burch, K Dair, Priest, and Bradley.   Within a few minutes of finishing the westerly breeze came in with a blast at 20-25 mph.  Without much delay, the 5th race was abandoned and the fleet raced to the hoist.
It was a fun series, with Mike Burch finishing two points ahead of Randy Smith to win the series.

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