With water spray splashing off the bows of sailboats, the countdown horn sounds one long blast - one minute to go - as teams of two each steer and weave their boats, with shouts of HEADUP! and STARBOARD! and NO ROOM!, charge at full speed into strategic places near the starting line. We dodge boats and secure a wind-favored spot near the right side of the line.
The horn sounds three short blasts - 30 seconds - as a long row of boats now in position slow and jostle at the line, champing like horses ready to run. 10 second - one short blast, and we pull in our sails and start with speed down the line. FIVE FOUR THREE TWO OOOOOOONE - horns final blast as sails come in full, we lean back for more power, and the boats charge across the starting line, we strain to get our bow out ahead.
Our boat springs out ahead, getting more fresh wind ands starts to gain!
Now the challenge of upwind boat, crossing, mark roundings, downwinds, finishes - employing speed, strategy, tactics, strong teamwork, hard training and regatta lessons, smooth boat handling and balance, keen read of the wind shifts, sneaky passes downwind, crafty strategy, fierce attack and defense, gumption and guts - it's all making this look like a great race, I think we got this!
Sound like fun? Join the Team!