The Postponed Tri-Service Race started with a flurry, as racing fleets merged into a single start, followed by consolidation of the three cruising fleets. The westerlies held at 18-22kts and seas at 3-4 feet as the 2 fleets marshalled behind the start-line.With the Belle in cruising class, and Chess single-handling the boat, the blue-sky start was a quick-one as The Belle headed south on the first leg plowing easily through the short-period swells - and then it became a race as the winds increased.
The final leg to the finish ended too fast...as The Belle's sails filled with the 22kt winds and she surged smoothly through the swells, finishing Third in Cruising class...fun, fast, and exciting. The Belle's a big and heavy boat for the sail area, and comes to prime with the heavy winds and choppy seas. While a cruiser at heart, it's fun mingling with the racing crews once in a while.
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