Thursday, August 2

Clear skies and a southerly breeze awaited everyone at the tent.  Indications were for bigger sea breeze in the afternoon….and we got just that.

With competition tight going into today’s races, one point separating first and second places, all eyes were on the front of the pack, and they did not disappoint!  The RC set the line above what Sydney Jones (USVI) called the Lobster Pot Death Zone (numerous pots that dotted the starting area of yesterday).  The breeze was steady all day and continued to build throughout the afternoon, slightly decreasing in the last stages of the final race.  Yesterday, we had 12 starts for four races; today, we had six starts for four races and never once saw the dreaded black flag.

 Eliza Richartz (CT) lead 98% of Race 5, but Mayumi Roller (USVI) caught her just before the finish line.  In the building breeze, great races were also had by Corey Hall (FL), Marissa Lihan (FL), Lauren Knoles (MI) and Nicole Heinl (RI), who, unfortunately, had two OCS today.  However, the racing between Mayumi Roller and Carol Prioleau (TX) continued.  The two were duking it out again, swapping firsts and each sailing their throw out races today.  Splitting from each other on just about every beat, waiting to see who would cross on top was fantastic.  In the end, Carolyn posted (7), 1, 1, 2, enough for a five point lead going into tomorrow’s final two races.

 The story of the day, however, is Eliza Richartz, who sails in board shorts, not hiking pants, is new to the Radial and a fierce competitor.  In the haze of the Boston skyline, Eliza was visibly distraught after loosing Race 5 at the finish line.  However, in Race 8, the final race of the day, Eliza caught a HUGE righty and was G.O.N.E.  Her horizon job was the biggest win of the regatta, almost a full minute ahead of Carolyn Prioleau. 

 This is my fifth and final championship, but the slight sadness is eclipsed by the excellent racing and weather conditions (so far, knock on wood!).  I have been privileged to be able to see many of these competitors grow up and excel at their sport and I only wish them the best in the years to come.   It has been a pleasure to give back to the sport I love.