West northwest winds and a flooding tide combined to create a tough go on Sunday as the Holmes Hole fleet took to the Sound for two races. HHSA racers have already seen more of Course #2 in 2014 than in the previous 10 years, and the elements made it memorable. Many in the fleet of 14 racers had to make repeated runs at rounding the first mark at Hedge Fence, where the relaxing wind ran out of steam and the flooding current reached its peak. Even though the race committee dropped the last two legs from the race, three B Division entries did not finish as the extended morning event threatened their participation in the afternoon.
Mo Flam on the Alerion Penelope took the honors in the A Division, while John Stout aboard Isabella, a Gannon & Benjamin design, was the winner in the B Division. Dan Culkin aboard Magic Time, a Vineyard Vixen, was second.
Andy Berry, returning to action on Isobar after spring rotator cuff surgery, captured second in the A Division, while Mike Loberg guided his Morris 36 Masquerade to third.
Afternoon Race
Course #2 was the challenge again in the afternoon race, and the fleet attacked the course in reverse. Southwest winds that worked hard to hit 10 knots made the final leg back into the harbor a long slog. The A division was closely contested, with less than a minute determining first place with Jerry Goodale skippering Stormalong, a Pearson 31, to first over Gloria and captain Roger Becker by 25 seconds.
John Stout and Isabella made it a banner day by grabbing its second first, pushing the boat to an early season lead at the top of the B division standings.
Thursday Evening Race
Ten boats showed up for the evening race on Thursday, June 26, which was held under intermittent rain and stormy skies. Stuart Halpert in his Alerion 28 took the win over the combined fleet with Ed Cerullo capturing second on his Morris 36, Undine. Zander Meleney, who’s still searching for the perfect name for his new J/70, came in third.
Next race on Sunday, July 6, is to Tarpaulin Cove.
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