Rolex Big Boat Series Day 4

September 19, 2010

One of the closest battles in this year's Rolex Big Boat Series was between James Mitchell's RP52 Vincitore and Jorge Epstein's TP 52 Patches in IRC A. They were tied for points and well ahead of the others in the fleet, and Sunday came down to a match race between the two. With all disregard for currents, wind, and other competitors, they stuck to each other better than Elmer's glue, matching every tack and jibe. Vincitore got the jump at the start and just covered hoping for the best. "We were lucky keeping Patches behind us as they are a very fast boat upwind," said Norman Davant, local knowledge and tactician for Vincitore. "They are great competition and we had to work very hard to beat them. Once we got the better start it was just a game of covering. We tacked and jibed when they did all the way to the finish."

Norman Davant, holding a 'hockey puck' compass, watched his back. ©2010 norcalsailing.com

Peter Holmberg, tactician for Patches, said trying to close the gap was tough. "We were trying our best to get them. We stayed as close as we could knowing that they give us time, and it was working out until Vincitore got a good puff and pulled ahead. Unfortunately that was late in the race so we ran out of time to catch up." Patches is new to the Rolex Big Boat Series and looked good out there. "Our crew work was exceptional and I'm very proud of everyone on the boat. A lot of us are new to the boat, yet we made very few mistakes."

Peter Holmberg followed Vincitore's every move. ©2010 norcalsailing.com

But controversy colored the results. "As far as the finish, I think the RC got the times wrong and I'm hoping we beat them. We are going up to find out right now," said Holmberg. Results are still preliminary, but they have Vincitore repeating last year's win in IRC A. See www.yachtscoring.com/event_results_cumulative.cfm?eID=343.

The Melges 32 Star, whch had a chance to win, rounded the windward mark, set the kite, and headed for the barn. ©2010 norcalsailing.com

The Melges 32 fleet was topped by the Italians on B-lin sailing. They'll stick around for the Worlds coming up on San Francisco Bay September 22-25.

B-lin sailing tacked and jibed their way to win their Pre-Worlds. ©2010 norcalsailing.com

Golden Moon repeated their win over their fellow Express 37 sailors. ©2010 norcalsailing.com

Flash got third in IRC A, but their mast man won the unofficial fashion competition. ©2010 norcalsailing.com

Happy Wasabi sailors show off the goods. Owner Dale Williams is on the left. Wasabi won IRC C. ©2010 norcalsailing.com