Two of five race nights for the Mallard Trophy are complete and the sailing has been exciting and challenging.  Three boats were on the line, Tom, Mike and Mark where able to sail with Pete and Pat unalble to get out of work. 

The weather was a little unusual with a front moving throught during the second race.  Winds 4 to 7 mph shifted between NW - WNW and going North as the sun set. The starting line was set between HDGYC finish mark Z and HDGYC mark D

Race 1 - Windward Leeward to HDGYC mark A, finish -  The race was a little crazy with unexpected finish results.  14366 won the start and had 14629 in a controling position to leeward.  We were on starboard and heading to Tidewater when we tacked and headed out in the river looking at and sailing in more wind.  14629 went to the bulkhead at Tidewater, tacked and was lifted to the mark out of the current and easily lead to the windward mark by 100 yards.  But there was still one more leg to sail and 14629 was practicing gybes downwind when they sailed right by the finish line without crossing it.  That was just enough to let 14366 cross ahead while they were trying to sail against the current to get above the line. 10302 was late for the start but joined in on the windward leg

Race 2 - Windward Leeward Windward - HDGC mark A, D, Finish - The start looked like everyone was late and it was going to be uneventful until 14629 tacked onto port but could not clear a very late 14366 on starboard.  14629 tacked but her transom swung through on her attemp to leebow and hit 14366’s port bow.  Protest was hailed and 14629 accepted her penalty and did a 720 - 360 more then necessary based on our SI’s.  

Race 3 - Windward Leeward Windward  - A last minute wind shift forced a change in course and starting line.  The windward mark was the 6mph mark (SSW of mark Z by a few yards), G, Finish.  - Looked like a good start for everyone until 14629 sailed over the the pin and hooked it.  After unhooking from the mark they took off and were first to the windward mark but needed to complete a 360.  14366 ran into a bizarre windshift on the way to the windward mark, just after tacking on to starboard we sailed into what seemed to be the biggest hole ever.  After rounding the windard mark 14366 went middle, 14629 left and 10302 right.  For some time the right was looking good but the current was sending them away from the mark. The hole 14366 sailed into on the first leg turned out to be a hugh wind sheer which 14629 sailed into on the last leg and allowed 10302 to sail into a solid 2nd.  The wind at the top of the mast on the last leg was 15 to 30 degrees to the right of the wind on the water.   

Race 4 - started but abandonded - time limit expired and the wind died. 10302 was out in front and looking good.

The evening ended with a beautiful sunset as 10302 sailed in and the others were towed in by the Grady White. Again we had a nice social after the races with burgers and chips.

Race Results:

• 10302 - DNS - 3 - 2
• 14366 - 1 - 1 - 1
• 14629 - 2 - 2 - 3

Photos from the Quest for the Mallard can be found at:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/lightningfleet192/pool/