Labor Day Race

Lahaina Yacht Club

Labor Day Racing Report from Cosco Carlbom:

"What a race it was . Mon 5:00am and Lahaina Harbor had more activity than most in-season days . There were the crews for 37 boats doing last minute chores . The ride up to the start area at Honolua Bay got very interesting around Hawea Point huge seas and a brisk wind . The site in Honolua Bay was worth getting up early for . 37 beautiful boats anxious to get started . After a bit of confusion at the start the race was on . One boat put his spinnaker up about 3/4 of the way across Pailolo Channel . The rest of us looked , thought better of it , and waited till we got to Halawa Valley, where the wind started to shift aft .

There were 2 Maui boats entered , Geoffrey Bourne's J105 Noa , and Lahaina Yacht Clubs Olson 30 Snickers . From Halawa Valley to Diamond Head was a down wind run . On Snickers we didn't do a single gybe . At Diamond Head we took the chute down put up the jib and went right in to the Ala Wai . Snickers finished 6th in our class with a corrected time of 8:32:07 . We were 15:47 behind the second place boat Noa and 46:39 behind the first place boat Maka Ala . They managed such a lead with a stroke of tactical genius , went down the south shore of Molokai, while the rest of the fleet sailed down the geautiful north shore. The winds were reported at 18-30 and the seas were following approximately 8' .

Hawaii Yacht Club was abuzz with salty , sunburned , thirsty sailors all telling of their adventures . A few cold libations , a hot shower , a bite to eat and things got quiet . The next morning it was up with the sun and on the water again . The wind had picked up a bit making for a fun ride back to Maui . At Hale O Lono there was a moment of discussion regarding the route to take to get home . Those that hadn't been down this path before wanted to go straight to Lahaina , it looks so close . Those who had been there before ended the discussion in short order . We took the longer , more relaxing trail , around the backside of Lanai . What a great way to spend a couple of days . Thanks to Hawaii Yacht Club and Lahaina Yacht Club for putting on a great event .

Other sailing news . MBYC will have the next regatta on Maui . September 21 is a Lahaina Inshore . As per the norm help is needed with race committee etc . if you can help please let me know . Also an addendum to the Lahaina Inshore Oct 11 . Will be wahine driver . NOR's will be out shortly .
Aloha
Cosco Carlbom