2011 Sir Thomas Lipton Cup Results

June 18 -19, 2011, Port Madison, WA.
Conditions - Varied, Moderate
7 races, 6 boats, 1 throwout.
PRO Pat Mitchell

Sir Thomas Lipton Challenge Cup 2011 for 6mR
Pat Mitchell

There never seems to be a typical forecast for the Lipton cup in recent years, but this year would be about average. The Weatherman was correct with the overcast skies and sun breaks throughout the weekend but we got a better result than the wind predictions(0-5). Saturday dawned with light NW wind that sent the mark boat out on time and a 1.5 mile course was set when the boats got out of Hidden Cove. Unfortunately, the wind died on the course before they got to the start area.

The 2 mile course was reset ½ mile east in very light northerly and the wind held without major holes through two races. The crews had to factor currents into the tactics as the strong ebb lasted until mid afternoon. The wind began to shift to the east at the final beat of race two so we set a shorter east west course just to get another race off. The easterly usually signals a shutoff. The easterly held for over two hours and we got another two races with good square lines and just enough shifts to keep the boats from getting complacent about tactics.
             
The starts were exciting to watch from the third level of the Committee Boat “Galivant” supplied by our perennial Security Staff Steve Kaimmer and his boat partner Dave. After that Finnegan with Andy Parker and his regular crew of Pt Mad sailors dominated the races with 4 bullets and Arunga with Bob Cadranell and much of his WC crew had four 2nds. The remainder of the fleet sorted themselves at convenient intervals so that the RC boat could enjoy Chicken Cordon Bleu in the upper Salon with out missing a finish horn. The wine was an Oregon Pinot. '07, I believe.

There were no protests.

The PMYC has a Summer Solstice BBQ that serves as the regatta dinner and the summery décor did help with the spirit but it doesn't take much for the PSSMA to make a good time anyway.
           
The high spirits of Saturday evening might have calmed the nerves of the racers but the wind broke stronger on Sunday. 8 to 12 knots SW and flat water is so incredible for sixmeter racing. The extra power enticed the racers to attempt more moves at the start and while from the high vantage just how close they get is amazing even after years on the bow and at the helm of my own behemoth. At the start of Race 6, Finnegan and Arunga were fighting for control of the line when May Be VII pulled a Port approach and tacked under them at the pin end. No one was forced over the line but the two leaders were then stuck under the rest of the fleet. Arunga got away with one tack to port and the side of the course with the most adverse current. Finnegan had to tack three times to get clear air. May Be VII made the most of the pileup and even though Arunga still lead at the first mark and Finnegan got by them once during the two lap race they covered well down wind and lead Finnegan the final two legs to finish 2nd.
           
This set up a must win for Arunga to have a chance to win the cup and Finnegan had to at least place 2nd to win on most bullets. The two leaders took a conservative start and the final race was   recorded just that way.  The deed of gift stipulates a throw out after four races.  This is what ultimately decided the regatta, and  Andy Parker can attend another dinner at the SYC and have his boats name engraved on the biggest cup in the case.
           
We want to thank Leigh and Jim Metteer for arranging the BBQ dinner and Sheri Mackey for shopping for all us racers.
Finally, it was great to welcome Adam Henley and Pacemaker back to the fleet. It is a daunting prospect to rebuild a  six and then try to rig it right for racing. Adam has done a masterful job and will be racing with us on Saturdays the rest of the summer.