Extreme 40‘s Racing Series Take off on Boston Harbor Day One of the Act Four: Extreme 40s Regatta greeted race teams with typical Boston Harbor conditions; puffy shifty winds that challenged teams sailing and tactical abilities to the utmost. The race course, situated on the south side of the harbor nestled against Fan Pier, featured strong breeze going hard right on the bottom section and becoming increasingly puffy with 90 degree shifts and dead spots at the windward mark and finish area. Winds during the first day varied from 5 to 15 knots and the sea state was light chop. Race Organizers took good full advantage of Boston’s deep harbor, setting their race course within 30 meters of Fan Pier so spectators could easily watch all the action. According the Gilles Chiorri, Sailing Event Director the focus is on creating an exciting, accessible event. “This event is 30% spectator, 30% racing and 30% sponsor participation.” Based on the excitement of the many viewers and buzz in the race village the Nascar style event formula works. The first day started with a thrilling jump by a pair of Red Bull sky divers. Despite the gusty winds crowds were wowed when the divers sailed through the air and landed with pinpoint precision on the Fan Pier dock between the water and 20 ft pylons. The day’s seven races showcased exciting mark roundings and numerous lead changes. The varying wind speeds exposed exactly what these cats can and can’t do. The first noticeable characteristic was a lack of ability to carry any speed through a tack or when pinching. While this feature was used to advantage to hold position on the starting line, boats attempting to pinch around the windward mark were quickly overtaken by competitors with more speed. The cats high aspect rigs cause an enormous wind shadow and can effectively stop another boat dead. Blanketing coupled with the outgoing current usually resulted in a competitor getting hung up on the mark or completely stalling out while boats that rounded above took off on the downwind leg. When the pressure increased and boats took off on one pontoon it was obvious how exciting this type of racing can be. In the blink of an eye their speed doubled although sailing on one pontoon is a precarious position. At any moment the leeward pontoon could dig its bow into the water causing a death role. To prevent this crews had all the work they could do to keep sails trimmed and weight placement in sync. Rounding the leeward mark is where the danger of death rolling is most evident. As the boat bears away and the gennaker is unfurled the boat “scoots” out and accelerates to turbo speed. To counteract the forward momentum, which will most certainly drive the leeward pontoon underwater, the crew launches themselves to the back of the boat. Imagine running at breakneck speed across a moving netted platform all the while having to concentrate on proper sail trim. Team Artemis Racing, lead by the only american skipper Terry Hutchinson, took the first day’s racing by one point. “It’s nice to come off today in this position but you know the racing is only going to get harder not easier and we’re mindful that we’ve got probably another 25-28 races to go. It is intense and full on the entire time,” said Terry. “Boston is such an awesome city to sail in and provided a great race track today.” In second place with 59 points was The Wave Muscat, an Omani boat helmed by British sailor Leigh MacMillan who came away with three bullets for the day. With more fine weather in store and a nice sea breeze forecast, Day Two promises to bring more exciting racing. The series continues through the 4th of July with the Extreme 40s competing everyday from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm. Need some tips and tricks for sailing on Boston harbor? Check out my blog, “Center of Effort” http://centerofeffort01.blogspot.com/ Judith Krimski judithkrimski@gmail.com
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