The past weekend we sailed our first Öckerö Shorthanded Race in light air – trademark of sailing season 2020. A two days regatta with one distance race per day. For many it marks the end of the racing season.
Race One
Participants were divided in 3 groups based on their rating so that each group contained roughly the same number of yachts. We ended up as the yacht with highest rating and displacement in our group. This might have been good in a airy race, but not in a windless one. “Excuses” you may think. Yes, you are probably right, but something needs to be blamed.
We started the first race in good position and tried to avoid getting stuck in pointless duels and sailing in free air. Unfortunately, we were all wind-starved and all fighting to be first in the few visible airy patches and exploiting thermals close to land.
We sailed very well most of the close-hauled legs, finding wind streaks and sailing wide angles. Our tactics downwind however proved relatively poor and we were left behind more than once in spite of this being our best point of sail.
Lack of wind caused however the usual “catch-up and restart” of the fleet a few times. Frustrating.
All in all, however, we are satisfied with a 5th place in our class.
Race Two
We had high hopes on the second day as it appeared to be slightly windier. We were out on the water early scanning the course. After a nice start on starboard tack we were hit on port by a yacht that did not give us right of way. No physical damages, but morally distraught as we lost precious time and the fleet was leaving us behind.
By the first rounding the wind had abandoned us again. We struggled to keep the boat up to speed and saw the second group behind approaching fast.
We finally got on the long close-hauled leg off-shore. Gaining and losing against the fleet all the time. It felt as if we never could properly power up and trim the genoa well in the lulls; the boat felt dead and the log confirmed it.
The final long downwind from Vinga lighthouse to the finish line was pure enjoyment. A long colorful parade of nylon sails reminding us why we were all there!
Not satisfied at all with the second race and total result, we can only take home a bunch of lesson learnt and come back next year.
Organization
An eloge to the organizing body is due. XSS – De Tio Öarnas SS really put together a simple, effective and fun arrangement.
- Communication was complete, clear and punctual.
- We really liked the chosen race courses, the balance between points of sail and the effort to find the routes likely to produce most fun. I loved the twist of the second race start which gave a spectacular start close to the tribunes and meeting of downing/upwind yachts.
- Pictures taken at start and finish lines; these are always a super bonus in my eyes as I suppose we all enjoy looking at our own boats under sails as well as showing them off to friends and family.
- Grilled hot-dog on the dock is tradition, I was told. Bring it on!
- We liked the take-away dinner served to all crews and an optional breakfast bag, which between us, was the best part and large enough for breakfast as well as snack under sail.
- We were helped mooring and had a guaranteed berth. This may sound as a given, however it is often not the case. Ensuring that all boat are able to dock at the same place is a pre-requisite for the social and enjoyable atmosphere in port.
Big thumbs-up
The regatta summoned around 50 yachts with their doublehanded crews and filled up within a few days from opening its registration in early spring.
Now, this is not surprising at all when you get the right mix of just about everything.
An in-shore regatta with a touch of off-shore; a convivial and enjoyable crowd with likeminded spirit at the dock that promptly turns into experienced tough all-in racers on the water, whatever the boat they race on; a proper functioning arrangement, food served, pictures taken and help docking; two packed starting lines and spectacular surroundings.
Already looking forward to the next time!