A Division Wrapping Up

Mike Kalin, from the Race Committee said, "Final A set got underway without difficulty, in which the race committee recognized the senior sailors on their final college races.  Ben Spiller and Brian Kamilar had congratulatory handshakes from their crews, and I personally felt heartened by the emotions."

Boston University had a tragic flip while running in first place, due to an issue with their port hiking strap in the back of the boat used by the skipper.  A quick trip to shore to fix the issue, and the fleet is again underway for their final race of the regatta - and the 2008-09 season.  When they are finished, it will be all up to the B Division to determine results in the  final two races of the regatta.

So far in this regatta, an excellent group of judging, combining older, well experienced, certified judges with a few younger college coaches who remain extremely close to the college game, provides a solid perspective which allows accurate judging for Rule 42 (Propulsion).  So far in this regatta, the two judge boats have imposed seven penalties, all on the downwind legs, for various violations of pumping, ooching, and rocking.  

In race 18A, St. Mary's and Yale rounded opposite leeward gate marks within seconds of each other.   It appears St. Mary's rounded the more favorable gate, but Yale's lead of a few seconds and excellent display of upwind boatspeed make it an absolute dogfight.