Jennifer Harker writes,: After stretching their legs in the distance race yesterday Day 4 focused on three shorter course races, sharpening strategy and demanding quick thinking as the day delivered constantly changing conditions.

While Mavi USA 103 continued her reign in the classics the tight evolution division was mixing it up throughout the day. 

Firestorm USA 87 and Jalapena USA 96 started the day tied for first but Jalapena would slip into third after three races. Skipper Dan Rossi said simply, “Some days you eat the bear, and some days the bear eats you. Today the bear ate Jalapena. Timing the starts was beyond difficult. We discovered the boat would not pick up speed and go to windward because of Midland Bay weeds wrapped on the rudder.”

To worsen the sting, the winds were up and down like a yo-yo, throwing a twist into any strategizing. Rossi continued, “And it was typical Midland Bay winds, unpredictable with 15 to 20 knot gusts, down to zero – in the same race.”

Despite the challenging conditions he is pleased with the overall development of the fleet as sailors gain confidence in their skill and the performance abilities of the boats. “People are getting to know the boats and getting more aggressive,” Rossi noted with a grin. “In the last race there was a nice pileup and some rubbing. I think I left some Jalapena red rouge on Purple Haze.”

O’Kelly CAN 79 mixed it up all day with Firestorm to register two seconds and a first. Skipper Don Cameron called it a cruel wind today. “The first race we could see the wind on the left side and we knew we wanted to head there. A big chunk of the fleet got caught out but we were watching the water constantly where it darkened down a little and ran for it. But I will call the wind cruel today, shifting constantly.”

Cameron liked the variety of course racing after Day 3’s distance race. “Short races are all about strategy and finding the wind. Each race was very different today. Just because you’re fast doesn’t mean you will win, someone will cover you and suddenly it’s gone. We did have quite good starts today though. We just cruised back and forth on the starting line because that’s where the wind was and we wanted to be there. It’s amazing how tight the boats can get.”

That tightness caused a general recall in Race 1 with several boats over the line early and a collision at the committee boat end.

After the course reset the fleet was chomping at the bit and all were cleanly away with Firestorm and Jill CAN 11 leading the way. O’Kelly, Pride USA 31 and Jalapena made it interesting early with several criss crosses mid-course trying to find the best air.

With squall lines on the horizon the first race had wind and Firestorm took full advantage and was an absolute rocket in Race 1, leading the fleet around all the marks.

Purple Haze USA 51 and Nantoria CAN 22 were ahead of O’Kelly and Jill kept slipping in and would finish third in a strong showing in the heavier air. Purple Haze would beat Mavi to the line forcing her to settle for second place.

Purple Haze began the day tied for second in the classics but had an uneven day to allow Nantoria to slip into second place on her own at the end of the day. Foredeck crew Chris Hatton explained, “We had a wonderful race, a less than wonderful race and a terrible one.”

For his part Nantoria skipper Eugene Kokbas said, “We had a little bit of everything. When the wind was up it was nice to be able to control the boat. In light winds she doesn’t want to behave and she gets quite skittish.”

He was happy with the standings so far. “There’s no way we’re going to catch Mavi. She did the pumpkin seed thing again today where she just pops out at the start and is gone.”

Winds picked up for the lunch break as a squall moved through bringing white caps that quickly subsided and then Midland Bay was up to her old tricks with little wind for Race 2.

Mavi was off well at the horn, Summer School CAN 31, O’Kelly and Jill chasing while the rest of the fleet opted for the west side.

Many abandoned spinnakers on the ‘downwind’ leg in non-existent winds and race committee shortened the course.

By the third leg the wind had filled in a little to make it interesting and Mavi would lead the fleet to the line with O’Kelly ahead of Firestorm to gain some important points.

The recently restored Jill was in the mix all day, bursting through with a third but couldn’t quite keep the momentum going for the day.

For Race 3 Mavi continued her domination on the day being first boat across the line again, ahead of the evolutions for the second straight race. The rest of the classic fleet was trading places and mixing it up throughout the racing.

Part of the beauty of the North American Regatta is the sharing and swapping of crew. The group has developed a pool of sailors, many of them from the host Midland Bay Sailing Club who can be called in to fill in when required at the last minute.

One of those versatile members is John Parkhurst who has sailed in several boats throughout the past several seasons. He said, “It’s been fun jumping around boat to boat. This regatta I’ve been in Summer School and Pride. They’re different boats and I really enjoying mixing it up. I love that the boats are all getting better in the fleet, skill is building and boats are tightening up.”

One more day of racing remains in this edition of the North American 5.5M Regatta.

Versatility is the name of the game for North American 5.5ers who jump in to crew wherever needed. John Parkhurst (centre) has sailed on multiple boats over the years. This year he was on Pride USA 31 and Summer School CAN 31 with Matt and Cheryl Thurley.

Jill CAN 11 was in the mix throughout the day as her crew is working out the kinks in the restored 72-year-old boat. She gave Purple Haze USA 51 a run for the money today.

Skipper William Turner, crew Tal Hutcheson and Jeff Brook had Firestorm USA 87 moving well and went 1-2-1 on the day in short course racing

Despite variable winds, starts were bunched and fast with three races on the day and lots of movement in the standings.