HONG KONG—Day 3 of the Hebe Haven Summer Saturday Series 2016 took place on Saturday July 9, 2016, with 2 geometric races planned.
A fleet of 34 boats took part in a variable south westerly wind of about 8 knots at the start. The weather was very humid and hot and even dressed in shorts and a light top many sailors were dipping their feet in the water to get some relief from the heat. I am sure many would have like to dive in for a refreshing swim.
For the IRC boats there was a long wait for the start as there was a general recall at their first attempt with many boats eager to show their paces, crossing the line before the gun ─ these boats then restarted after all others had got away successfully. With the faster craft starting last, this gives an interesting combination of boats arriving together at Marks. By the end of the first of two circuits of the course the faster IRC boats although completing a longer course, were bearing down on the tail end of the Dragon fleet.
Although variable in speed the wind held for much of the first race and all boats had finished by 4pm. But at that time the wind had dropped and Race Office Bridget Chan waited for the wind to pick up before starting the 2nd race – but no wind came and she cancelled racing for the day bringing a cheer from some crews.
“Lighthorse” took line honours and 1st place in IRC, followed by “Moll” and “Goddess”. “Lighthorse” leads the series with 10 points, “Moll” is 2nd with 18 points and “Jazz” is 3rd on 21 points.
Sportsboat Series leader “Merlin” hit a hole in the wind coming down the final stretch in Race 4, and watched as “Ironman” and “Phoenix” sailed past. “Ricochet” won on corrected time followed by “Ironman” and “Phoenix”. “Merlin” (7 points total) leads the series followed by “Ricochet” (16) and “Free Fire It’s My Pleasure” (18). “Catch 22” crossed the finish line long before the other Sportsboats, but although receiving a winner’s gun, the decision was soon changed when it was discovered that there was no record of it making a second circuit!
In HKPN, “X-Terminator” chalked up win number 3 to stay top of the standings with 7 points, “Shikari” came 2nd and “Bits and Pieces” came 3rd. “X-Terminator” heads the series with 7 points, “Bits and Pieces” and “Tara” are equal 2nd on 11 points.
In the Dragon Class, with holidays and overseas competitions hitting attendance, and boats missing key crew members, “Wudi” heads the standings with 8 points, “Phyloong III” is second on 10 points and “Celines” is 3rd on 14. In Race 4, “Zephyr” racing for the first time in this series, took 1st place by a good margin ahead of “Phyloong II” and “Wudi”.
Next Races
This Sunday July 17, two geometric races will be held outside Port Shelter for Day 4 of the Typhoon Series.
