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d Islesboro Race doesn’t go the full circle Beneteau 35 Jeroboam, winner of the Single Handed division, and Sound Waves, a Sonar, laze downwind. Inset: Sound Waves was sailed by Jim Kelly and his sons, Jake and Charlie.
High tides and light wind are to blame for a shortened race course this year. By Art Hall For Points East The Northport Yacht Club hosted the Around Islesboro Race (AIR) on Sept. 12. In its 23rd year, due to adverse tides and light wind, the course was shortened to Hewes Ledge on the east side of the island and quickly dubbed PAIR – partially Around Islesboro Race. This marks the first time we didn’t actually circumnavigate Islesboro, but all participants agreed it was a good choice given the conditions. A faint northerly at the start provided the fleet with steerageway, and progress was painfully slow between the Bayside and Turtle Head. Once around the corner, a three- to eight-knot southerly filled in and boats started to feel like they were really sailing. The beat to the ledge was a lesson in light-air sailing, patience and, as always, a bit of luck. The race drew 43 participants in 5 divisions. PHRF A, PHRF B, Cruising Canvas, Single Handed and Multi-hull. Despite the shortened course, 11 boats still dropped out due to a breeze that failed altogether by late afternoon. First overall was Aftermath, a San Juan 28, sailed by the midshipmen from Maine Maritime Academy. They took particular delight in beating their (now retired) sailing coach, Butch Minson, who finished 3rd, sailing Cats Paw, his Lindenberg 28. Second Place was captured by Jeff Dinse sailing Blue Zombie, AIR, continued on Page 52
Photo by Dave Leaming
www.pointseast.com
Points East December 2009
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